Patent Publication Number: US-2023142607-A1

Title: Semiconductor module, semiconductor device, and semiconductor device manufacturing method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-180714, filed on Nov. 5, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The embodiments discussed herein relate to a semiconductor module, a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method. 
     2. Background of the Related Art 
     For example, a semiconductor module having a power conversion function includes power devices. Examples of these power devices include insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), free wheeling diodes (FWDs), and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). There are cases in which a capacitor is connected to a semiconductor module, to stabilize a direct-current (DC) voltage applied. 
     In addition, there are cases in which a terminal of a semiconductor module is connected to a terminal of a capacitor via a connection member. These terminals are connected by using screws, for example. However, if the connection is performed by using screws, the contact resistance is increased at the portions where the connection member and the terminals are connected, and the connection portions tend to change significantly over the passage of time. To solve this problem, an ultrasonic bonding method has been proposed as a method for connecting a connection member and a terminal (for example, see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-234694). In this ultrasonic bonding, a connection member and a terminal are disposed to overlap with each other, and ultrasonic vibration is generated on a bonding portion. This vibration electrically and mechanically connects the connection member and the terminal. 
     In addition, laser welding is known as a method for bonding a connection member and a terminal without causing physical stress thereto (for example, see International Publication Pamphlet No. 2019/077866). This laser welding is for bonding metal members disposed to overlap with each other. Specifically, a laser beam is emitted to the metal members to locally melt these metal members. By solidifying the melted these metal members, the metal members are bonded to each other. In the laser welding, the laser energy is locally concentrated to melt the metal members in the incident direction of the laser beam. Thus, unless the amount of heat generated inside the metal members is appropriately controlled, the melted portion could penetrate through the metal members. To solve this problem, International Publication Pamphlet No. 2019/077866 proposes a technique of disposing a protective member having a higher melting point than that of the metal members on which laser welding is performed. This protective member is disposed on the metal member opposite to the metal member on which the laser beam is incident. The protective member stops further progress of the melted portion after the melted portion has penetrated through the metal members. 
     Regarding a semiconductor module connected to a capacitor, the following technique for providing a terminal portion is also known. That is, in this technique, a laminated terminal portion is formed as a terminal portion of a semiconductor module. Specifically, a first power terminal, an insulating sheet, and a second power terminal are disposed in this order to overlap with each other. Part of the first power terminal is exposed to the outside beside the insulating sheet, and the second power terminal is located on the insulating sheet, with the part and a terrace portion of the insulating sheet being exposed to the outside (for example, see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2021-106235). Laser welding is performed on a first connection terminal of a capacitor and the first power terminal exposed to the outside beside the insulating sheet of the laminated terminal portion. Laser welding is also performed on a second connection terminal of the capacitor and the second power terminal on the insulating sheet. 
     In another known laser welding technique, when an upper terminal and a lower terminal, which are used as wiring members inside a semiconductor device, are bonded to each other by laser welding, a space is formed between the upper terminal and the lower terminal (for example, see International Publication Pamphlet No. 2013/039099). 
     There is known a still another laser welding technique for welding a lead frame, which is used as an internal wiring lead member of a semiconductor device, and a heat spreader, which is bonded to the lead frame. In this technique, a spacer having openings is inserted between the lead frame and the heat spreader, and a laser beam is emitted to the locations corresponding to the openings (for example, see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-66561). 
     In addition, there is known a technique for firmly attaching an electrical wiring board including a DC positive wiring board and a DC negative wiring board of a power module used for an inverter device of a power conversion apparatus to a positive conductive board and a negative conductive board of a capacitor module of the power conversion apparatus by laser welding or the like (for example, see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2016-185067). 
     There is also known a technique for bonding a lead member (a connection member) that electrically connects a metal plate (an electrode member) disposed on a main surface of a semiconductor element bonded to one conductive board (a conductive member) to another conductive board (a conductive member) by laser welding (for example, see International Publication Pamphlet No. 2020/179369). 
     There is also known a technique for bonding a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion that are disposed to sandwich an insulating member of a semiconductor device to a first feed terminal and a second feed terminal that are disposed to sandwich an insulating member of a bus bar by laser welding such that the first feed terminal is electrically connected to the first terminal portion and the second feed terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal portion (for example, see International Publication Pamphlet No. 2019/239771). 
     There is also known a technique for laminating bus bars connected to positive and negative electrodes of a capacitor via an insulating film (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10405450). There is also known a technique for physically separating bus bars and forming the bus bars to overlap with each other (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10374521). 
     For example, as in the above Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2021-106235, when a semiconductor module terminal portion connected to a capacitor has a laminated structure in which an insulating sheet is sandwiched between positive and negative terminals, if a connection member is disposed directly on one of the terminals on the insulating sheet and if laser welding is performed by emitting a laser beam to the connection member, the heat generated by the welding could cause damage to the insulating sheet under the one terminal. If the insulating sheet is damaged, the original insulating performance could not be maintained, and the dielectric strength could be deteriorated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the embodiments, there is provided a semiconductor module including: an insulating sheet that has a first surface and extends in a first direction; and a first terminal that has a first region disposed on the first surface of the insulating sheet and having a first width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second region extending from the first region and having a second width in the second direction narrower than the first width, and a third region located away from the first surface and being electrically connected to both the first region and the second region. 
     The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  each illustrate an example of a semiconductor module; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  each illustrate an example of connection between the semiconductor module and a capacitor; 
         FIGS.  3 A to  3 C  each illustrate laser welding between a terminal of the semiconductor module and a connection member; 
         FIGS.  4 A to  4 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a first embodiment; 
         FIGS.  5 A to  5 C  each illustrate an example of connection between the semiconductor module according to the first embodiment and a capacitor; 
         FIGS.  6 A to  6 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a second embodiment; 
         FIGS.  7 A to  7 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a third embodiment; 
         FIGS.  8 A to  8 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIGS.  9 A to  9 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a fifth embodiment; 
         FIGS.  10 A to  10 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a sixth embodiment; 
         FIGS.  11 A to  11 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a seventh embodiment; 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrate examples of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to an eighth embodiment; 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  illustrate other examples of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module according to the eighth embodiment; and 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to a ninth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  each illustrate an example of a semiconductor module.  FIG.  1 A  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  1 B  is a sectional view schematically illustrating the main part of the example of the semiconductor module. Specifically,  FIG.  1 B  is a schematic cross section taken along a line I-I in  FIG.  1 A . While sealing resin  150  is illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , the sealing resin  150  is not illustrated in  FIG.  1 A  for convenience. 
     The semiconductor module  1   a  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  includes a cooling member  10 , a case  20 , an insulating circuit board  30 , and semiconductor chips  40 . 
     For example, a metal plate such as a copper plate is used as the cooling member  10 . The case  20  is disposed on the cooling member  10 . For example, resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene succinate resin, polyamide resin, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin is used to form the case  20 . For example, by performing injection molding with the above resin material, the case  20  of the semiconductor module  1   a  is formed. The case  20  has a frame-like peripheral wall  21 . Terminals  22  connected to the semiconductor chips  40  via wires  50  are disposed on the peripheral wall  21 . The case  20  is fixed to the cooling member  10  via adhesive or the like. 
     A cover that covers the internal space surrounded by the peripheral wall  21  may be disposed on the case  20 . In addition, the cooling member  10  may include a cooling fin. Alternatively, an air-cooling or liquid-cooling cooler may be connected to the cooling member  10  directly or via thermal interface material or the like. 
     The insulating circuit board  30  and the semiconductor chips  40  are stored in the internal space surrounded by the peripheral wall  21  of the case  20 . For example, the insulating circuit board  30  includes an insulating board  31  made of almina, complex ceramics containing almina as its main component, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, or the like. In addition, a conductive layer  32  and conductive layers  33 , such as predetermined copper patterns, are formed on two surfaces of the insulating board  31 . A direct copper bonding (DCB) board is used as the insulating circuit board  30 . Another board such as an active metal brazed (AMB) board may alternatively be used as the insulating circuit board  30 . The conductive layer  32  formed on one surface of the insulating circuit board  30  is connected to the cooling member  10  via thermally conductive material  60  such as thermal interface material and is stored inside the case  20 . The semiconductor chips  40  (two semiconductor chips  40  are illustrated as an example in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ) are mounted on their respective conductive layers  33  formed on the other surface of the insulating circuit board  30  via bonding material  70  such as sintered material or solder. For example, semiconductor elements such as IGBTs or MOSFETs are used for the semiconductor chips  40 . For example, diode elements such as FWDs or Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) are integrated on the semiconductor chips  40 . 
     Each semiconductor chip  40  has one main surface (a lower surface in this example) on which a first load electrode (for example, a positive electrode) is formed and has the other main surface (an upper surface in this example) on which a second load electrode (for example, a negative electrode) and a control electrode are formed. For example, the first load electrode on the lower surface functions as a collector electrode or a drain electrode. In addition, the second load electrode on the upper surface functions as an emitter electrode or a source electrode, and the control electrode on the upper surface functions as a base electrode or a gate electrode. 
     The first load electrode on the lower surface of each semiconductor chip  40  is connected to a corresponding one of the conductive layers  33  of the insulating circuit board  30  via the corresponding bonding material  70 . The second load electrode on the upper surface of one semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   x ) is connected to a conductive layer  33  via a conductive member  80  such as a wire, a clip, a tab, or a lead frame. The first load electrode on the lower surface of the other semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   y ) is connected to the above conductive layer  33 . The second load electrodes and the control electrodes on the upper surfaces of the semiconductor chips  40  are connected to their respective terminals  22  of the case  20  via their respective wires  50 . The conductive layer  33  connected to the first load electrode on the lower surface of one semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   x ) is connected to a first terminal  110  (for example, a positive (P) terminal) via a conductive block  90  made of copper or the like formed on this conductive layer  33 . The second load electrode on the upper surface of the other semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   y ) is connected to another conductive layer  33  via a conductive member  80  and is connected to a second terminal  120  (for example, a negative (N) terminal) via a conductive block  90  formed on this conductive layer  33 . An output terminal  140  is connected to the conductive layer  33  to which both the second load electrode on the upper surface of one semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   x ) and the first load electrode on the lower surface of the other semiconductor chip  40  ( 40   y ) are connected. In this example, the two semiconductor chips  40  ( 40   x  and  40   y ) are connected in series inside the case  20 . 
     The semiconductor module  1   a  is an example of a 2-in-1 type semiconductor module that constitutes an inverter circuit. Between the two semiconductor chips  40  stored in the case  20 , one semiconductor chip  40  (the semiconductor chip  40   x ) constitutes an upper arm in one phase, and the other semiconductor chip  40  (the semiconductor chip  40   y ) constitutes a lower arm in the same phase. For example, three semiconductor modules  1   a , each of which includes a pair of semiconductor chips  40  connected in series as described above, are connected in parallel to each other. Nodes, each of which connects a corresponding pair of series-connected semiconductor chips  40  connected to a corresponding one of the output terminals  140  of the three parallel-connected semiconductor modules  1   a , correspond to output nodes of the U phase, the V phase, and the W phase and are connected to load such as a motor. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  each illustrate the semiconductor module  1   a  including one semiconductor chip  40  constituting an upper arm and the other semiconductor chip  40  constituting a lower arm inside the single case  20 , for convenience of description. However, alternatively, the semiconductor module  1   a  may include a plurality of parallel-connected semiconductor chips  40  that constitute an upper arm and a plurality of parallel-connected semiconductor chips  40  that constitute a lower arm. The conductive layers  33 , which have patterns based on the number of and the layout of semiconductor chips  40  to be mounted, are formed on the insulating circuit board  30 . 
     The sealing resin  150  is formed in the internal space surrounded by the peripheral wall  21  of the case  20 . The sealing resin  150  seals the insulating circuit board  30 , the semiconductor chips  40 , the wires  50 , the conductive members  80 , the conductive blocks  90 , etc. stored in the case  20 . In  FIG.  1 A , for convenience, the sealing resin  150  is not illustrated. For example, resin material such as epoxy resin or phenolic resin or gel material such as silicone is used as the sealing resin  150 . The sealing resin  150  may contain insulating filler such as silica. A plurality of kinds of materials may be used as the sealing resin  150 . For example, gel material such as silicone may be used as buffer coating material in a lower layer, and resin material such as epoxy resin may be used in an upper layer. That is, the sealing resin  150  may have a laminated structure. 
     As described above, in the semiconductor module  1   a , the insulating circuit board  30  and the semiconductor chips  40  stored in the case  20  are electrically connected to the first terminal  110  functioning as a P terminal and the second terminal  120  functioning as an N terminal. The first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  are disposed to partly overlap with each other in plan view and in sectional view, and an insulating sheet  130  is disposed between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120 . 
     The first terminal  110  is connected to one conductive block  90  inside the case  20  and extends from the inside of the case  20  to the outside of the case  20 . The second terminal  120  is connected to the other conductive block  90  inside the case  20  and extends from the inside of the case  20  to the outside of the case  20 . The insulating sheet  130  is sandwiched between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  and extends from the inside of the case  20  to the outside of the case  20 . Outside the case  20 , an extension-direction tip of the insulating sheet  130  is located farther away from the case  20  than an extension-direction tip of the first terminal  110  extending from the inside of the case  20  to the outside of the case  20 . In addition, outside the case  20 , an extension-direction tip of the second terminal  120  is located farther away from the case  20  than the extension-direction tip of the insulating sheet  130  extending from the inside of the case  20  to the outside of the case  20 . 
     That is, the first terminal  110 , the insulating sheet  130 , and the second terminal  120  are disposed to form a staircase pattern outside the case  20  in their extension direction. A terrace portion  133  of the insulating sheet  130  is formed between the extension-direction tip of the first terminal  110  and the extension-direction tip of the insulating sheet  130 . The insulating distance between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  extending to the outside further than the extension-direction tip of the insulating sheet  130  is ensured by the distance from the extension-direction tip of the first terminal  110  to the extension-direction tip of the insulating sheet  130 , that is, by the distance of the terrace portion  133  formed between these tips. 
     The semiconductor module  1   a  includes a laminated terminal portion  100  having the first terminal  110 , the insulating sheet  130 , and the second terminal  120  laminated as described above. 
     The semiconductor module  1   a  is connected to a capacitor, for example, to stabilize the DC volage applied. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  each illustrate an example of connection between the semiconductor module and a capacitor.  FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  2 B  is a sectional view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of connection portions between the semiconductor module and the capacitor. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , the semiconductor module  1   a  includes the laminated terminal portion  100  extending from the case  20  to the outside. As described above, the laminated terminal portion  100  includes the insulating sheet  130  between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120 . The first terminal  110 , the insulating sheet  130 , and the second terminal  120  are disposed to form a staircase pattern in their extension direction from the case  20 . For example, the first terminal  110  is a P terminal of the semiconductor module  1   a , and the second terminal  120  is an N terminal of the semiconductor module  1   a . Metal material such as copper is used for the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120 . The surface of each of the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  may be plated with nickel or the like. Insulating resin material such as aramid resin, polyamide resin, fluorine resin, or polyimide resin is used for the insulating sheet  130 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2 B , the semiconductor module  1   a  is connected to the capacitor  200 . The capacitor  200  includes a third terminal  230 , a fourth terminal  240 , and an insulating sheet  250  disposed therebetween, all of which extend from a case  210  to the outside. For example, the third terminal  230  is a P terminal of the capacitor  200 , and the fourth terminal  240  is an N terminal of the capacitor  200 . Metal material such as copper is used for each of the third terminal  230  and the fourth terminal  240 . The surface of each of the third terminal  230  and the fourth terminal  240  may be plated with nickel or the like. Insulating resin material such as aramid resin, polyamide resin, fluorine resin, or polyimide resin is used for the insulating sheet  250 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 B , one end of the third terminal  230  is disposed at the case  210 , and the other end of the third terminal  230  is bent. One end of the fourth terminal  240  is disposed at the case  210 , and the other end of the fourth terminal  240  is bent in the opposite direction of the third terminal  230 . One end of the insulating sheet  250  is disposed at the case  210  between the third terminal  230  and the fourth terminal  240 . The insulating sheet  250  is flexible enough to be bent in the direction of the fourth terminal  240 . The insulating sheet  250  is large enough to cover the fourth terminal  240  when bent in the direction of the fourth terminal  240 . 
     The second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1   a  is directly connected to the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200 , and the first terminal  110  of the semiconductor module  1   a  is connected to the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200  via a planar connection member  300 . In this way, the semiconductor module  1   a  and the capacitor  200  are electrically connected to each other. To connect the semiconductor module  1   a  and the capacitor  200  to each other, first, the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240  are connected to each other. Next, the insulating sheet  250  is bent to cover the connection portion. Next, after the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  and the third terminal  230 , the connection member  300  is connected to the first terminal  110  and the third terminal  230 . As a result, the negative and positive conductors of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the capacitor  200  are disposed in parallel to each other, with the insulating sheet  130  and the insulating sheet  250  sandwiched in between. Thus, the inductance at the individual joint portion is reduced. 
     The second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  are connected to each other by laser welding. The laser welding may be performed by a seam laser technique in which a laser beam is continuously emitted or by a spot laser technique in which a pulsed laser beam is emitted. By emitting a laser beam to the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240 , the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240  are melted at a welding location  2 . When the welding location  2  is solidified, the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240  are electrically connected to each other. 
     After the second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  are connected to each other, the insulating sheet  250  of the capacitor  200  is bent in the direction of the welding location  2  where the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240  are welded to each other. Since the insulating sheet  250  is bent in this way, the fourth terminal  240  and part of the second terminal  120  connected thereto are covered by the insulating sheet  250 . 
     After the insulating sheet  250  of the capacitor  200  is bent, the first terminal  110  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200  are connected to each other via the connection member  300 . Metal material such as copper is used for the connection member  300 . For example, a bus bar is used for the connection member  300 . The connection member  300  is placed over the bent insulating sheet  250  of the capacitor  200  and is connected to the first terminal  110  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200 . 
     The first terminal  110  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200  are connected to the connection member  300  by laser welding, for example. The laser welding may be performed by a seam laser technique or a spot laser technique. By emitting a laser beam to the third terminal  230  and the connection member  300 , the third terminal  230  and the connection member  300  are melted at a welding location  3 . When the welding location  3  is solidified, the third terminal  230  and the connection member  300  are electrically connected to each other. In addition, by emitting a laser beam to the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300 , the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  are melted at a welding location  4   a . When the welding location  4   a  is solidified, the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  are electrically connected to each other. 
     For example, the semiconductor module  1   a  and the capacitor  200  are connected to each other via the connection member  300  as described above, and as a result, a semiconductor device  5   a  as illustrated in  FIG.  2 B  is obtained. 
     Next, laser welding between the first terminal  110  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the connection member  300  will be described. 
       FIGS.  3 A to  3 C  each illustrate laser welding between the first terminal of the semiconductor module and the connection member.  FIGS.  3 A to  3 C  are each a sectional view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a laser welding step. 
       FIGS.  3 A to  3 C  each illustrate the insulating sheet  130  and the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100  of the semiconductor module  1   a  and the connection member  300 , for convenience. To connect the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  by laser welding, for example, the connection member  300  is first placed on the first terminal  110 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A . Next, as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B , a laser beam  400  is emitted to the connection member  300 . The connection member  300  and the first terminal  110  thereunder are consequently melted at the welding location  4   a . When the welding location  4   a  is solidified, and the connection member  300  and the first terminal  110  are consequently welded. 
     However, when laser welding is performed in this way, there are cases in which the emission of the laser beam  400  generates excessive heat. If this happens, the connection member  300  and the first terminal  110  are excessively melted. As a result, as illustrated in  FIG.  3 C , the insulating sheet  130  is subjected to thermal stress, and damage  410  is caused on the insulating sheet  130 . If the first terminal  110  is excessively melted and if the welding location  4   a  penetrates through the first terminal  110  into the insulating sheet  130 , the damage  410  could be caused inside the insulating sheet  130 . If the damage  410  is caused inside the insulating sheet  130 , material properties of the insulating sheet  130  at or around the damage  410  change, and the original insulating performance of the insulating sheet  130  is unable to be maintained. Consequently, the dielectric strength could be deteriorated. 
     In view of the above point, configurations described as the following embodiments are adopted, to prevent occurrence of damage to the insulating sheet when the connection member is welded to the terminal of the semiconductor module. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIGS.  4 A to  4 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a first embodiment.  FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  4 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  4 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 A illustrated in  FIG.  4 A  includes the first terminal  110 , a second terminal  120 , and an insulating sheet  130 . The insulating sheet  130  is disposed between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120 . The first terminal  110  is disposed on a first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130 , and the second terminal  120  is disposed on a second surface  132 , which is the surface opposite to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130 . The first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  are disposed to partly overlap with each other via the insulating sheet  130 . That is, the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  partly overlap with each other in plan view. The first terminal  110 , the second terminal  120 , and the insulating sheet  130  are disposed to extend from a case  20  of the semiconductor module  1  to the outside, as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A to  5 C . The first terminal  110 , the insulating sheet  130 , and the second terminal  120  are disposed to form a staircase pattern in a first direction D1 (the extension direction from the case  20  to the outside). The insulating distance between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120  is ensured by a terrace portion  133  formed on the insulating sheet  130 . 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A has a first region  111 , a second region  112 , and a third region  113 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . The first region  111  is disposed on the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  extending in the first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second region  112  extends from the first region  111  and has a second width W2 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second width W2 is narrower than the first width W1. The second region  112  is perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and extends from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third region  113  is located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and is electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second region  112 . 
     In the laminated terminal portion  100 A, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than a surface  113   a  (the lower surface) of the third region  113 , the surface  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . In the laminated terminal portion  100 A, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  is disposed outside the first region  111  in plan view. That is, the third region  113  is disposed such that the third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A has a wide portion  111   b  having the first width W1 in the second direction D2. The first region  111  also has a pair of narrow portions  111   c , each of which extends from the wide portion  111   b  in the first direction D1 and has a third width W3 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2. These narrow portions  111   c  are disposed away from each other at end portions of the wide portion  111   b  in the second direction D2. The second region  112  extends from an edge portion of the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  located in the first direction D1 between the narrow portions  111   c , and the third region  113  extends in the first direction D1 from the second region  112  such that the third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A may be formed by forming two cuts extending in the first direction D1 in edge portions of a planar terminal member in the first direction D1 by punching or the like, bending the middle portion between the two cuts in the third direction D3 once, and bending a tip portion of the bent middle portion in the first direction D1 (such that the tip portion does not overlap with the planar terminal member in plan view) . 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A, the pair of narrow portions  111   c  extend from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in the first direction D1, and the second region  112  extends from the edge portion of the wide portion  111   b   located in the first direction D1 (between the pair of narrow portions  111   c ) in the third direction D3. In addition, the third region  113  extends from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 at a location higher than the wide portion  111   b  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  via the second region  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A and a capacitor  200 , for example. An end portion of the connection member  300  is inserted between the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  and the third region  113  of the first terminal  110 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113  to weld the third region  113  and the connection member  300  with each other at a welding location  4 . 
       FIGS.  5 A to  5 C  each illustrate an example of connection between the semiconductor module according to the first embodiment and the capacitor.  FIG.  5 A  is a sectional view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of connection portions between the semiconductor module and the capacitor.  FIG.  5 B  is a sectional view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a laser welding step performed on the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module and the connection member.  FIG.  5 C  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection state between the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module and the connection member. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the laminated terminal portion  100 A of the semiconductor module  1  is disposed to extend in the first direction D1 from the case  20  to the outside. For example, the first terminal  110  is a P terminal, and the second terminal  120  is an N terminal. The insulating sheet  130  is disposed between the first terminal  110  and the second terminal  120 . 
     The capacitor  200  connected to the semiconductor module  1  includes a third terminal  230 , a fourth terminal  240 , and an insulating sheet  250  disposed therebetween, all of which extend from a case  210  to the outside. For example, the third terminal  230  is a P terminal, and the fourth terminal  240  is an N terminal. The insulating sheet  250  having flexibility is disposed between the third terminal  230  and the fourth terminal  240 . 
     To connect the semiconductor module  1  and the capacitor  200  with each other, first, the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  is placed on the second terminal  120  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A of the semiconductor module  1 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the fourth terminal  240 , to weld the fourth terminal  240  and the second terminal  120  at a welding location  2 . Next, the insulating sheet  250  of the capacitor  200  is bent such that the fourth terminal  240  and the welding location  2  where the fourth terminal  240  and the second terminal  120  are welded to each other are covered by the insulating sheet  250 . 
     Next, one end portion of the connection member  300  is inserted between the narrow portions  111   c  (the surface  111   a ) of the first region  111  and the third region  113  (the surface  113   a ) of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A of the semiconductor module  1 . The other end portion of the connection member  300  is placed on the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200 . If the extension-direction tip of the individual narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  of the first terminal  110  is formed to protrude more than the extension-direction tip of the third region  113 , the connection member  300  is inserted more easily between the narrow portions  111   c  and the third region  113  without bumping into the insulating sheet  130 . 
     After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the other end portion of the connection member  300  placed on the third terminal  230 , to weld the connection member  300  and the third terminal  230  at a welding location  3 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113 . At this point of time, one end portion of the connection member  300  has already been inserted between the third region  113  and the first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A. As a result, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  are welded at the welding location  4 . Alternatively, the welding at the welding location  4  may be performed after the welding at the welding location  3 . 
     For example, in this way, the semiconductor module  1  having the laminated terminal portion  100 A is connected to the capacitor  200  by using the connection member  300 . As a result, the semiconductor device  5  as illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  is obtained. 
     To weld the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 A to the connection member  300 , a laser beam  400  is emitted to the third region  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C , and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are consequently melted. When the melted portion is solidified, the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are consequently welded at the welding location  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  is lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to a location away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second region  112 . The connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third region  113  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 , and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. There is a space  420  corresponding to at least the thickness of the first region  111  between the connection member  300 , which is welded to the third region  113 , and the insulating sheet  130 . Thus, since the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam  400  to the third region  113  is insulated by the space  420 , the heat is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIGS.  6 A to  6 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a second embodiment.  FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  6 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  6 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 B according to the second embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a second region  112 , and a third region  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second region  112  extends from the first region  111  and has a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second region  112  is perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and extends from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third region  113  is located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and is electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second region  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 B, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than a surface  113   a   (the lower surface) of the third region  113 , the surface  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B is disposed to overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B may be formed by performing punching or the like on a planar terminal member to form a protruding portion that protrudes in the first direction D1, bending the protruding portion in the third direction D3 once, and bending a tip portion of the bent protruding portion in the first direction D1 (such that the tip portion overlaps with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, the second region  112  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B extends from an edge portion (a center edge portion) of the first region  111 , the edge portion being located in the first direction D1, in the third direction D3. In addition, the third region  113  extends from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 at a location higher than the first region  111  via the second region  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third region  113  overlaps with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  6 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B has a planar penetration portion  310  (an opening portion) through which the third region  113  and the second region  112  of the first terminal  110  penetrate. 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  6 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the third region  113  and the second region  112  are inserted into the penetration portion  310  of the connection member  300 . Next, the connection member  300  is slid in the first direction D1 such that an end portion  320  of the connection member  300  is sandwiched between the third region  113  and the first region  111  of the first terminal  110 . As a result, the end portion  320  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the first region  111  and the third region  113  of the first terminal  110 . The second region  112  penetrates through the penetration portion  310  from the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300 . After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melted. When the melted portion is solidified, and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are consequently welded to each other at a welding location  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  is lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to a location away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second region  112 . The end portion  320  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third region  113  and the first region  111  thereunder, and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and there is the first region  111  under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third region  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIGS.  7 A to  7 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a third embodiment.  FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  7 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  7 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 C according to the third embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a pair of second regions  112 , and a third region  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second regions  112  each extend from the first region  111  and have a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second regions  112  are each perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and each extend from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third region  113  is located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and is electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second regions  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 C, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than a surface  113   a  (the lower surface) of the third region  113 , the surface  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C is disposed to overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C includes the pair of second regions  112  disposed away from each other at end portions of the first region  111  in the second direction D2. The third region  113  is connected to the pair of second regions  112 . 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C may be formed by forming an opening portion in a planar terminal member by punching or the like, bending the opening portion in the third direction D3 once, and bending a tip portion of the bent opening portion in the first direction D1 (such that the tip portion overlaps with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C, the pair of second regions  112  extend from edge portions (two end portions) of the first region  111 , the edge portions being located in the first direction D1, in the third direction D3. In addition, the third region  113  extends from the pair of second regions  112  in the first direction D1 at a location higher than the first region  111  via the pair of second regions  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third region  113  overlaps with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  7 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C has a planar protruding portion  330 , which is inserted into the gap (the opening portion) between the pair of second regions  112 . 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  7 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the protruding portion  330  of the connection member  300  is inserted into the gap between the pair of second regions  112 . Consequently, the protruding portion  330  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the first region  111  and the third region  113  of the first terminal  110 . Cut portions  331  sandwiching the protruding portion  330  of the connection member  300  may be referred to as penetration portions where the second regions  112  penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300 . After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melt. When the melted portion is solidified, the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are consequently welded to each other at a welding location  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  is lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to a location away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second region  112 . The protruding portion  330  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third region  113  and the first region  111  thereunder, and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and there is the first region  111  under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third region  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C may have a shape different from that illustrated in  FIG.  7 C . For example, a connection member  300  having a certain width insertable into the gap between the pair of second regions  112  may be used. That is, a connection member  300  having a certain width corresponding to the width of the above protruding portion  330  may be used. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIGS.  8 A to  8 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a fourth embodiment.  FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  8 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  8 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 D according to the fourth embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a pair of second regions  112 , and a pair of third regions  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second regions  112  each extend from the first region  111  and have a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second regions  112  are each perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and each extend from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third regions  113  are located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and are electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second regions  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 D, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than surfaces  113   a  (the lower surfaces) of the third regions  113 , the surfaces  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D are disposed outside the first region  111  in plan view. That is, the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D has a wide portion  111   b  having the first width W1 in the second direction D2 and a pair of narrow portions  111   c , each of which extends from the wide portion  111   b  in the first direction D1 and has a third width W3 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2. These narrow portions  111   c  are disposed away from each other at end portions of the wide portion  111   b  in the second direction D2. The second regions  112  extend from edge portions of the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, and the third regions  113  extend in the second direction D2 from the second regions  112  such that the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D may be formed by forming a cut extending in the first direction D1 by punching or the like in an edge portion of a planar terminal member, the edge portion being located in the first direction D1, and forming other cuts that extend in the second direction D2 and that meet at the center of the above cut. Specifically, the first terminal  110  may be formed by forming a T-shaped cut in an edge portion of a planar terminal member in plan view, bending the two side portions of the T-shaped cut in the third direction D3 once, and bending tip portions of the bent side portions in the second direction D2 (such that the tip portions do not overlap with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D, the pair of narrow portions  111   c  extend from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in the first direction D1, and the pair of second regions  112  extend from edge portions of the narrow portions  111   c , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, in the third direction D3. In addition, each of the third regions  113  extends from a corresponding one of the second regions  112  in the second direction D2 at a location higher than the wide portion  111   b  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  via the second regions  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D has a pair of planar penetration portions  340  (cuts) into which the pair of second regions  112  extending from the pair of narrow portions  111   c  of the first terminal  110  are inserted. 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D as illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the pair of second regions  112  are inserted into the pair of penetration portions  340  of the connection member  300 . Consequently, the portion sandwiched between the pair of penetration portions  340  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  and the insulating sheet  130 . The portions outside the pair of penetration portions  340  of the connection member  300  are located over the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 . The second regions  112  penetrate through the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300  in the penetration portions  340 . Next, after the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melted. When the melted portions are solidified, the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other at welding locations  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  are lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to locations away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second regions  112 . The connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third regions  113  and the insulating sheet  130 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. There is a space between the connection member  300 , which is welded to the third regions  113 , and the insulating sheet  130 . Thus, since the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third regions  113  is insulated by the space, the heat is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In this embodiment, the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D. In this way, when the portion between the pair of penetration portions  340  is inserted between the third regions  113  and the insulating sheet  130 , the portions outside the pair of penetration portions  340  are located over the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 . Thus, the connection member  300  is inserted easily without bumping into the insulating sheet  130 . 
     When there is no possibility or a low possibility that the connection member  300  bumps into the insulating sheet  130  at the time of insertion of the connection member  300 , this connection member  300 , which is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 D, may be formed to have a shape such that no portion is located over the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 . That is, the connection member  300  may be formed as illustrated in the above  FIG.  7 C  or may be formed to have a certain width insertable into the gap between the pair of second regions  112 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
       FIGS.  9 A to  9 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a fifth embodiment.  FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  9 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  9 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 E according to the fifth embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a pair of second regions  112 , and a pair of third regions  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second regions  112  each extend from the first region  111  and have a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second regions  112  are each perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and each extend from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third regions  113  are located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and are electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second regions  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 E, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than surfaces  113   a  (the lower surfaces) of the third regions  113 , the surfaces  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E are disposed to overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E has a wide portion  111   b   having the first width W1 in the second direction D2 and a pair of narrow portions  111   c , each of which extends from the wide portion  111   b  in the first direction D1 and has a third width W3 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2. These narrow portions  111   c  are disposed away from each other at end portions of the wide portion  111   b  in the second direction D2. The second regions  112  extend from edge portions of the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, and the third regions  113  extend in the second direction D2 from the second regions  112  such that the third regions  113  overlap with the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E may be formed by forming a cut extending in the first direction D1 by punching or the like in an edge portion of a planar terminal member, the edge portion being located in the first direction D1, and forming other cuts that extend in the second direction D2 and that meet at the center of the above cut. Specifically, the first terminal  110  may be formed by forming a T-shaped cut in an edge portion of a planar terminal member in plan view, bending the two side portions of the T-shaped cut in the third direction D3 once, and bending tip portions of the bent side portions in the second direction D2 (such that the tip portions overlap with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E, the pair of narrow portions  111   c  extend from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in the first direction D1, and the pair of second regions  112  extend from the edge portions of the pair of narrow portions  111   c , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, in the third direction D3. In addition, each of the third regions  113  extends from a corresponding one of the second regions  112  in the second direction D2 at a location higher than the wide portion  111   b  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  via the second regions  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third regions  113  overlap with the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  9 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E has a pair of planar penetration portions  350  (cuts) into which the pair of second regions  112  extending from the pair of narrow portions  111   c  of the first terminal  110  are inserted. 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  9 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the pair of second regions  112  are inserted into the pair of penetration portions  350  of the connection member  300 . Consequently, the portions outside the pair of penetration portions  350  of the connection member  300  are inserted between the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  and the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 . The portion between the pair of penetration portions  350  of the connection member  300  is located above the insulating sheet  130  between the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 . The second regions  112  penetrate through the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300  in the penetration portions  350 . After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melted. When the melted portions are solidified, the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other at welding locations  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  are lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to locations away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second regions  112 . The connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third regions  113  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and the narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  are located under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third regions  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In this embodiment, the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  9 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 E. However, the connection member  300  may be formed without the portion between the pair of penetration portions  350 . 
     Sixth Embodiment 
       FIGS.  10 A to  10 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a sixth embodiment.  FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.   10 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  10 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 F according to the sixth embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a pair of second regions  112 , and a pair of third regions  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second regions  112  each extend from the first region  111  and have a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second regions  112  are each perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and each extend from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third regions  113  are located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and are electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second regions  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 F, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than surfaces  113   a  (the lower surfaces) of the third regions  113 , the surfaces  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F are disposed to overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F has a wide portion  111   b  having the first width W1 in the second direction D2 and has a narrow portion  111   c  that extends from the wide portion  111   b  in the first direction D1 and that has a third width W3 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2. The second regions  112  extend from edge portions of the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, and the third regions  113  extend in the second direction D2 from the second regions  112  such that the third regions  113  overlap with the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F may be formed by forming a cut extending in the second direction D2 by punching or the like in each of two side portions of a planar terminal member, the two side portions being located in the second direction D2, bending the portions outside the cuts (tip portions of the planar terminal member) in the third direction D3 once, and bending tip portions of the bent portions in the second direction D2 (such that the tip portions overlap with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F, the narrow portion  111   c  extends from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in the first direction D1, and the pair of second regions  112  extend from the edge portions of the narrow portion  111   c , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, in the third direction D3. In addition, each of the third regions  113  extends from a corresponding one of the second regions  112  in the second direction D2 at a location higher than the wide portion  111   b  and the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  via the second regions  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third regions  113  overlap with the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  10 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F has a planar penetration portion  360   inserted into the gap between the pair of second regions  112  extending from the narrow portion  111   c  of the first terminal  110 . 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  10 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the penetration portion  360  of the connection member  300  is inserted into the gap between the pair of second regions  112 . Consequently, the penetration portion  360  of the connection member  300  is inserted between the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  and the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 . Cut portions  361  sandwiching the penetration portion  360  of the connection member  300  may be referred to as penetration portions where the second regions  112  penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300 . After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melted. When the melted portions are solidified, the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other at welding locations  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  are lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to locations away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second regions  112 . The connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third regions  113  and the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  is located under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third regions  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In this embodiment, the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  10 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 F. However, the connection member  300  as illustrated in the above  FIG.  8 C  may alternatively be used. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
       FIGS.  11 A to  11 C  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to a seventh embodiment.  FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  11 B  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module.  FIG.  11 C  is a plan view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a connection member welded to the first terminal of the laminated terminal portion of the semiconductor module. 
     The laminated terminal portion  100 G according to the seventh embodiment includes the first terminal  110  having a first region  111 , a pair of second regions  112 , and a pair of third regions  113  as illustrated in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B . The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G is disposed on a first surface  131  of an insulating sheet  130  extending in a first direction D1 and has a first width W1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in plan view. The second regions  112  each extend from the first region  111  and have a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2 in plan view. The second regions  112  are each perpendicular to the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and each extend from the first region  111  in a third direction D3, which is away from the first surface  131 . The third regions  113  are located away from the first surface  131  of the insulating sheet  130  and are electrically connected to the first region  111  and the second regions  112 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 G, in the third direction D3, a surface  111   a  (the upper surface) of the first region  111 , the surface  111   a  facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 , is located closer to the insulating sheet  130  than surfaces  113   a  (the lower surfaces) of the third regions  113 , the surfaces  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . The third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G are disposed outside the first region  111  in plan view. That is, the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G has a wide portion  111   b  having the first width W1 in the second direction D2 and has a narrow portion  111   c  that extends from the wide portion  111   b  in the first direction D1 and that has a third width W3 narrower than the first width W1 in the second direction D2. The second regions  112  extend from edge portions of the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, and the third regions  113  extend in the second direction D2 from the second regions  112  such that the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     The first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G may be formed by forming a cut extending in the second direction D2 by punching or the like in each of the two side portions of a planar terminal member, the side portions being located in the second direction D2, bending the portions outside the cuts (tip portions of the planar terminal member) in the third direction D3 once, and bending tip portions of the bent portions in the second direction D2 (such that the tip portions do not overlap with the planar terminal member in plan view). 
     As described above, in the case of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G, the narrow portion  111   c  extends from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in the first direction D1, and the pair of second regions  112  extend from the edge portions of the narrow portion  111   c , the edge portions facing each other in the second direction D2, in the third direction D3. In addition, each of the third regions  113  extends from a corresponding one of the second regions  112  in the second direction D2 at a location higher than the wide portion  111   b  and the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  via the second regions  112  with respect to the insulating sheet  130  such that the third regions  113  do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For example, the connection member  300  such as a bus bar as illustrated in  FIG.  11 C  is welded to the first terminal   110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G. The connection member  300  welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G has a pair of planar penetration portions  370  (cuts) into which the pair of second regions  112  extending from the narrow portion  111   c  of the first terminal  110  are inserted. 
     To weld the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G as illustrated in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  and the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  11 C , first, the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the pair of second regions  112  are inserted into the pair of penetration portions  370  of the connection member  300 . Consequently, the portions outside the pair of penetration portions  370  of the connection member  300  are inserted between the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  and the insulating sheet  130 . The portion between the pair of penetration portions  370  of the connection member  300  is located over the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 . The second regions  112  penetrate through the upper and lower surfaces of the connection member  300  in the penetration portions  370 . After the connection member  300  is placed, a laser beam is emitted to the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are melted. When the melted portions are solidified, the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other at welding locations  4 . 
     In this laser welding described above, the third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  are lifted from the first region  111  on the insulating sheet  130  to locations away from the insulating sheet  130  via the second regions  112 . The connection member  300  is inserted between the lifted third regions  113  and the insulating sheet  130 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are welded to each other. There is a space between the connection member  300  welded to the third regions  113  and the insulating sheet  130 . Thus, since the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third regions  113  is insulated by the space, the heat is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . As a result, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In this embodiment, the connection member  300  as illustrated in  FIG.  11 C  is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G. In this way, when the portions outside the pair of penetration portions  370  are inserted between the third regions  113  and the insulating sheet  130 , the portion between the pair of penetration portions  370  is located over the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 . Thus, the connection member  300  is easily inserted without bumping into the insulating sheet  130 . 
     When there is no possibility or a low possibility that the connection member  300  bumps into the insulating sheet  130  at the time of insertion of the connection member  300 , this connection member  300 , which is welded to the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 G, may be formed without the portion between the pair of penetration portions  370 . 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     The laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 G according to the above first to seventh embodiments are examples, and various kinds of modifications may be made to the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 G. Some examples will hereinafter be described as an eighth embodiment. 
       FIGS.  12 A,  12 B,  13 A, and  13 B  each illustrate an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module according to an eighth embodiment.  FIGS.  12 A,  12 B,  13 A , and  FIG.  13 B  are each a perspective view schematically illustrating a main part of an example of a laminated terminal portion of a semiconductor module. 
     A laminated terminal portion  100 H illustrated in  FIG.  12 A  is similar to the laminated terminal portion  100 A ( FIGS.   4 A,  4 B , etc.) according to the above first embodiment. However, the laminated terminal portion  100 H differs from the laminated terminal portion  100 A in that the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  extends from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third region  113  overlaps with the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in plan view. 
     For the laminated terminal portion  100 H having such first terminal  110  as described above, the connection member  300  ( FIG.  6 C ) according to the above second embodiment having the planar penetration portion  310  (the opening portion) through which the third region  113  and the second region  112  of the first terminal  110  penetrate is used. At the time of welding, after the connection member  300  is placed on the first terminal  110  such that the third region  113  and the second region  112  are inserted into the penetration portion  310  of the connection member  300 , and the connection member  300  is slid in the first direction D1 such that the connection member  300  is inserted between the third region  113  and the first region  111 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113 , and the third region  113  and the connection member  300  thereunder are welded at a welding location  4 . 
     Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  is located under the connection member  300 , the heat generated by the emission of the laser beam to the third region  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . In this way, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. As a result, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In the same way as this example of the relationship between the laminated terminal portion  100 H and the above laminated terminal portion  100 A, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 B ( FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ) according to the above second embodiment may be formed to extend from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. Likewise, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 C ( FIGS.  7 A and  7 B ) according to the above third embodiment may be formed to extend from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. 
     A laminated terminal portion  100 I illustrated in  FIG.  12 B  includes a pair of second regions  112  extending in a third direction D3 from two end portions of a wide portion  111   b  of a first terminal  110 , the two end portions sandwiching a narrow portion  111   c  extending in a first direction D1. The laminated terminal portion  100 I also includes a pair of third regions  113  extending from the pair of second regions  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third regions  113  do not overlap with a first region  111  in plan view. 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 I, a connection member  300  is inserted between the pair of third regions  113  of the first terminal  110  and the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the third regions  113 , and the third regions  113  and the connection member  300  are consequently welded at welding locations  4 . Since the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam is insulated by the space under the connection member  300 , the heat is not directly transferred to an insulating sheet  130 . In this way, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat by the welding. As a result, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     If the extension-direction tip of the narrow portion  111   c  of the first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the laminated terminal portion  100 I is formed to protrude more than the extension-direction tips of the third regions  113 , the connection member  300  is inserted more easily between the narrow portion  111   c  and the third regions  113  without bumping into the insulating sheet  130 . 
     While  FIG.  12 B  illustrates, as an example, the laminated terminal portion  100 I having the third regions  113   that do not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view, the third regions  113  may be formed to extend from the second regions  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third regions  113  overlap with the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in plan view. In this case, a connection member  300  having a planar penetration portion (an opening portion) through which the third regions  113  and the second regions  112  of the first terminal  110  penetrate is used. Since the connection member  300  is located away from the insulating sheet  130  and the first region  111  is located under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . 
     In addition, a laminated terminal portion  100 J illustrated in  FIG.  13 A  has a first terminal  110  having an opening portion  114 . The first terminal  110  has a second region  112  that extends in a third direction D3 from an inner edge portion of the opening portion  114 , the edge portion being located in a first direction D1. The first terminal  110  has a third region  113  that extends from the second region  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third region  113  overlaps with a wide portion  111   b  of a first region  111  in plan view. 
     In addition, a laminated terminal portion  100 K illustrated in  FIG.  13 B  includes a pair of cut portions  115  at two end portions of a first terminal  110  in a second direction D2. The laminated terminal portion  100 K includes a pair of second regions  112  that extend from edge portions of the pair of cut portions  115 , the edge portions being located in a first direction D1, in a third direction D3. The laminated terminal portion  100 K also includes a pair of third regions  113  that extend from the pair of second regions  112  in the first direction D1 such that the third regions  113  overlap with a wide portion  111   b  of a first region  111  in plan view. 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portions  100 J and the laminated terminal portion  100 K, a connection member  300  is inserted between the individual third region  113  of the first terminal  110  and the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111 . Next, a laser beam is emitted to the individual third region  113 , and the individual third region  113  and the connection member  300  are welded at a corresponding welding location  4 . Since the connection member  300  is located away from an insulating sheet  130  and the first region  111  is located under the connection member  300 , the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . In this way, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat by the welding. As a result, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 J  and the laminated terminal portion  100 K, if the extension-direction tip of the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  of the first terminal  110  is formed to protrude more than the extension-direction tip of the individual third region  113 , the connection member  300  is inserted more easily between the wide portion  111   b  and the individual third region  113  without bumping into the insulating sheet  130 . 
     In the case of the laminated terminal portion  100 J and the laminated terminal portion  100 K, as an example, the individual third region  113  is disposed to overlap with the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  in plan view. However, alternatively, the individual third region  113  may be formed to extend in the first direction D1 from the corresponding second region  112  such that the individual third region  113  does not overlap with the first region  111  in plan view. In this case, a connection member  300  having a planar penetration portion (an opening portion) through which the individual third region  113  and the individual second regions  112  of the first terminal  110  penetrate is used. There is a space under the connection member  300  at the time of welding. Thus, since the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam is insulated by the space, the heat is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including a semiconductor module having any one of the laminated terminal portions as described in the above first to eighth embodiments, a connection member, and a capacitor will be described as a ninth embodiment. 
       FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to a ninth embodiment. 
     To manufacture a semiconductor device (for example, the above semiconductor device  5  as illustrated in  FIG.  5 A ), the semiconductor module  1  or the like having any one of the above laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. as described in the first to eighth embodiments is prepared (step S 1 ). Next, a capacitor  200  as described above, which is connected to the semiconductor module  1  or the like prepared in step S 1 , is prepared (step S 2 ). In addition, a connection member  300  as described above, which is connected to the semiconductor module  1  or the like prepared in step S 1  and the capacitor  200  prepared in step S 2 , is prepared. That is, a connection member  300  shaped based on, for example, the structure of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. is prepared (step S 3 ). Steps S 1  to S 3  may be performed in any order. 
     After the semiconductor module  1  or the like, the capacitor  200 , and the connection member  300  are prepared, first, the second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1  or the like and the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200   are welded to each other at a welding location  2  by laser welding (step S 4 ). In this step, the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  is placed on the second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1  or the like, and a laser beam is emitted to the fourth terminal  240  at the welding location  2 . As a result, the second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1  or the like and the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  are welded to each other by laser welding. 
     After the fourth terminal  240  of the capacitor  200  and the second terminal  120  of the semiconductor module  1  or the like are welded to each other by laser welding, the insulating sheet  250  of the capacitor  200  is bent to cover the fourth terminal  240 , part of the second terminal  120 , and the welding location  2  (step S 5 ). 
     Next, an end portion of the connection member  300  is inserted under the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. of the semiconductor module  1  or the like (step S 6 ) . The third region  113  is lifted to a location above the insulating sheet  130 . In addition, the other end portion of the connection member  300  is placed on the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200  (step S 7 ). Steps S 6  and S 7  may be performed in any order. 
     Next, a laser beam is emitted to the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. of the semiconductor module  1  or the like, the third region  113  being located on the one end portion of the connection member  300 . As a result, the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  and the one end portion of the connection member  300  are welded to each other at a welding location  4  (step S 8 ). In addition, a laser beam is emitted to the other end of the connection member  300  placed on the third terminal  230  of the capacitor  200 . As a result, the third terminal  230  and the other end portion of the connection member  300  are welded at a welding location  3  (step S 9 ). Steps S 8  and S 9  may be performed in any order. 
     For example, the method based on the above steps S 1  to S 9  is used to manufacture a semiconductor device. 
     In the above semiconductor device manufacturing method, as described above, one end portion of the connection member  300  is inserted under the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. of the semiconductor module  1  or the like, the third region  113  being lifted above the insulating sheet  130 . There is a space or part of the first region  111  between the inserted one end portion of the connection member  300  and the insulating sheet  130 . Thus, the heat generated in the connection member  300  by the emission of the laser beam to the third region  113  is not directly transferred to the insulating sheet  130 . In this way, the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged by the heat generated by the welding. Since the insulating sheet  130  is prevented from being damaged, the material properties of the insulating sheet  130  are prevented from being changed. Thus, since deterioration in insulating performance is prevented, deterioration in dielectric strength is prevented. A high-quality and high-performance semiconductor device in which the high-quality and high-performance semiconductor module  1  or the like and the capacitor  200  are connected to each other by using the connection member  300  is obtained. 
     The first to ninth embodiments have thus been described. In the case of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. described in the above first to eighth embodiments, the surface of each of the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  welded to each other may be plated with nickel, so as to reduce reflection of the laser beam and absorb the laser beam. Alternatively, a process for roughening the above surfaces may be performed. This process may be performed selectively on the laser beam emission area of the first terminal  110  and the connection member  300  welded to each other. Alternatively, the process may be performed selectively on the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  to which the laser beam is directly emitted. 
     In addition, the above description has been made based on an example in which the connection member  300  is welded to the surface  113   a  (lower surface) of the third region  113  of the first terminal  110  of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc., the surface  113   a  facing in the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . However, alternatively, the connection member  300  may be welded to the upper surface of the third region  113 , the upper surface facing in a direction opposite to the direction of the insulating sheet  130 . However, in this case, compared with the case in which the connection member  300  is welded to the surface  113   a  of the third region  113 , the connection member  300  is located farther away from the second terminal  120  and the fourth terminal  240 , which are opposite in polarity to the connection member  300 . Thus, the inductance reduction effect could be reduced. 
     In addition, the number of second regions  112  and the number of third regions  113  that extend from the wide portions  111   b  or narrow portions  111   c  of the first region  111  of the first terminal  110  of the prepared one of the laminated terminal portions  100 A to  100 K, etc. are not limited to the above examples. In addition, the number of narrow portions  111   c  that extend from the wide portion  111   b  of the first region  111  is not limited to the above examples. More second regions  112 , third regions  113 , or narrow portions  111   c  may be formed. Alternatively, less second regions  112 , third regions  113 , or narrow portions  111   c  may be formed. 
     In one aspect, it is possible to prevent damage to an insulating sheet when a connection member is welded to a terminal of a semiconductor module. 
     All examples and conditional language provided herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.