Electrical junction box unit

Abstract

An electrical junction box unit (1) is provided with an electrical junction box (2) and a housing member (5) that houses the electrical junction box (2). The housing member (5) has a side wall portion (31), a bottom wall portion (32), and a rib (39) that is elastically deformable to elastically contact the electrical junction box (2). The rib (39) is configured as a member that sandwiches the electrical junction box (2) on at least one side inside a housing space (34) of the housing member (5), and is integrally configured from a first portion (40) that extends in a housing direction and is disposed separately from the side wall portion (31), a second portion (41) that links one end of the first portion (40) in the housing direction to the side wall portion (31), and a third portion (42) that links the other end of the first portion (40) in the housing direction to the bottom wall portion (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical junction box units. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, electrical junction boxes such as relay boxes and fuse boxes (hereinafter also referred to as "conventional electrical junction boxes") have been proposed, which are installed in vehicles and have storage space for storing electronic components such as relays and fuses. When such conventional electrical junction boxes are installed in vehicles, from the point of view of waterproofing, they are stored in a housing or the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-280120 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the aforementioned housing, ribs are provided to suppress the swaying of the internal electrical junction box, and this swaying is suppressed by the ribs abutting against the electrical junction box. However, if the electrical junction box becomes larger than the standard size due to manufacturing tolerances, it may be impossible to house the electrical junction box within the housing. On the other hand, to absorb the aforementioned manufacturing tolerances, there is a method of setting ribs in a way that creates a space (so-called gap) between the electrical junction box and a standard-sized electrical junction box. However, in this method, it is difficult to sufficiently suppress the swaying of the electrical junction box inside the housing, and there is a tendency for the housing to become too large.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an electrical junction box unit that absorbs the dimensional differences of the electrical junction box caused by manufacturing tolerances, etc., and has excellent storage properties for the electrical junction box and its storage components.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the electrical junction box unit of the present invention is characterized as follows.

[0011] An electrical junction box unit includes an electrical junction box and a storage component for housing the electrical junction box.

[0012] The storage component has a side wall, a bottom wall, and ribs that are elastically deformable and elastically contact the electrical junction box.

[0013] The rib is formed as a component that clamps the electrical junction box within the storage space of the electrical junction box in the storage component, and is integrally formed by the following parts:

[0014] The first part extends in the storage direction of the electrical junction box housed in the housing component and is disposed separately from the side wall portion;

[0015] The second part connects one end of the first part in the storage direction to the side wall portion;

[0016] The third part connects the other end of the first part in the storage direction to the bottom wall portion.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] The electrical junction box unit of the present invention will be described below.

[0019] According to the electrical junction box unit of this structure, the housing component has at least one component, namely a rib, that clamps the electrical junction box within the housing space of the housing component, thereby absorbing dimensional differences of the electrical junction box through the elastic deformation of the rib. Furthermore, by making the rib elastically contact the electrical junction box, the swaying of the electrical junction box within the housing space can be suppressed. Thus, the electrical junction box unit of this structure absorbs dimensional differences of the electrical junction box caused by manufacturing tolerances, etc., and the electrical junction box exhibits excellent receptivity to the housing component.

[0020] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the invention will become clearer by reading the following description of embodiments for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as "Examples") with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the electrical junction box unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded front perspective view of the main parts of the electrical junction box unit shown.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded front perspective view of the main parts of the electrical junction box shown.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded rear perspective view of the main parts of the electrical junction box shown.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The rear perspective view of the bracket shown.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 AA sectional view.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of part B.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a simplified enlarged cross-sectional view showing the elastic contact between the electrical junction box and the ribs of the bracket during the stage where the electrical junction box is fully retracted into the bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0029] <Implementation Method>

[0030] The following, with reference to the attached drawings, describes... Figures 1 to 8 The electrical junction box unit 1 of the present invention, as shown in the embodiment, will be described. The electrical junction box unit 1 is typically mounted in a vehicle and consists of multiple (two in this example) electrical junction boxes 2 and a bracket 5 (corresponding to the “storage component” of the present invention) (see reference). Figures 1 to 2 The electrical junction box 2 is a relay box with internal space for housing electronic components such as relays, and other components such as component R. The bracket 5 is a component used to house the electrical junction box 2 and to mount and fix the electrical junction box 2 to the target component (target part) of the vehicle.

[0031] For ease of explanation, the following is as follows: Figures 1 to 8 As shown, "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" are defined. The "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. When the electrical junction box unit 1 is mounted in a vehicle, the "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" correspond to the vehicle's front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions, respectively. Furthermore, the side facing the interior of the electrical junction box 2 is called the "inner" side, and the side facing the exterior of the electrical junction box 2 is called the "outer" side. Additionally, the up-down direction corresponds to the "storage direction" of this invention.

[0032] The electrical junction box 2 and bracket 5 that constitute the electrical junction box unit 1 will be described in turn.

[0033] First, let's describe electrical junction box 2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the electrical junction box 2 consists of a frame 3 and a lower cover 4 assembled below the frame 3 to block the lower opening of the frame 3. Both of these components constituting the electrical junction box 2 are resin molded bodies. In addition, an upper cover (shown in the figure) is assembled at the upper opening of the frame 3.

[0034] In electrical junction box 2, such as Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8As shown, the wires (not shown) that are electrically connected to a portion of the component R arranged inside the electrical junction box 2 (internal space) are led out to the outside of the electrical junction box 2 via wire lead-out holes (not shown) provided on the rear side wall of the electrical junction box 2. The frame 3 and the lower cover 4 that constitute the electrical junction box 2 will be described below in sequence.

[0035] First, let's explain framework 3. For example... Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the frame 3 has a generally rectangular cylindrical sidewall portion 11 extending in the vertical direction. The sidewall portion 11 constitutes most of the appearance of the side of the electrical junction box 2.

[0036] On the outer surface of multiple locations (four locations in this example) at the lower end of the sidewall portion 11 on both sides in the left and right directions, a locking portion 12 containing a through hole extending in the vertical direction is integrally provided. The locking portion 12 has the function of assembling the lower cover 4 to the frame 3.

[0037] On the outer surface of the sidewall portion 11 on both sides in the front-rear direction, a locking portion 13 (corresponding to the "second locking portion" of the present invention) is integrally provided, which includes a guide (e.g., a guide rib) and a locking protrusion. The locking portion 13 has the function of assembling the frame 3 stored in the storage space 34 of the bracket 5 (described later) onto the bracket 5.

[0038] A downward-opening hole 14 is provided on the side wall portion 11 at a position corresponding to the wire outlet hole of the electrical junction box 2. The hole 14 functions to form the upper part of the inner wall portion that divides the wire outlet hole.

[0039] Next, the lower cover 40 will be explained. For example... Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the lower cover 4 integrally comprises: an annular sidewall portion 21, which constitutes a large portion of the appearance of the lower side surface of the electrical junction box 2; and a bottom wall portion 22, which blocks the annular lower end opening of the sidewall portion 21 and constitutes a large portion of the appearance of the bottom surface of the electrical junction box 2. The annular upper edge of the sidewall portion 21 has a shape corresponding to the annular lower edge of the sidewall portion 11 of the frame 3, and can be fitted with the annular lower edge of the sidewall portion 11.

[0040] On the outer surface of multiple locations (four locations in this example) at the upper end of the side wall portion 21 on both sides in the left and right directions, locking pieces 23 extending in the vertical direction are integrally provided with each of the multiple locking portions 12 of the frame 3.

[0041] An upward-opening hole 24 is provided on the side wall portion 21 at a location corresponding to the wire outlet hole of the electrical junction box 2. The hole portion functions to form part of the lower portion of the inner wall portion that divides the wire outlet hole. The frame 3 and the lower cover 4 constituting the electrical junction box 2 have been described above.

[0042] Next, bracket 5 will be explained. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the bracket 5 integrally comprises a generally rectangular cylindrical sidewall portion 31 extending in the vertical direction and a bottom wall portion 32 that blocks the annular lower end opening of the sidewall portion 31.

[0043] At a designated location on the bottom wall portion 32, a partition wall 33 extending vertically is provided, positioned opposite the side walls 31 on both sides in the left-right direction. The partition wall 33 functions to divide the internal space of the bracket 5 into multiple (two in this example) spaces (see reference). Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 6 Thus, the bracket 5 divides the space into a storage space 34 for accommodating the electrical junction box 2. Furthermore, the storage space 34 is divided in a manner that corresponds to the outer periphery shape of the electrical junction box 2.

[0044] In each storage space 34, a locking portion 35, which includes a guide (e.g., a guide rib) and a locking protrusion, is integrally provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 31 on both sides in the front-rear direction (see reference). Figures 4 to 5 The locking part 35 has the function of assembling the frame 3 of the electrical junction box 2 housed in the storage space 34 onto the bracket 5.

[0045] In each storage space 34, an upward-opening hole 36 is provided on the side wall 31 at a position corresponding to the wire outlet hole of the electrical junction box 2 (see reference). Figure 5 The hole 36 functions as part of the lower portion of the inner wall portion that divides the wire lead-out hole.

[0046] A mounting portion 37 containing a threaded hole extending in the vertical direction is integrally provided on the outer surface of multiple locations (three locations in this example) of the side wall portion 31 in the front-rear direction. Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 6 The mounting section 37 has the function of mounting and fixing the electrical junction box unit 1 (i.e., the electrical junction box 2) to the target component of the vehicle (not shown).

[0047] The outer surface of multiple circumferential locations on the side wall portion 31 is provided with retaining portions 38 for holding the retainer (not shown). The retaining member is, for example, a resin molded body, and is a component for holding various devices (such as wires, connectors, etc., not shown) around the bracket 5.

[0048] In each storage space 34, the ends of the partition walls 33 located on opposite sides in the left-right direction (right end in the right storage space 34, left end in the left storage space 34) are provided with elastically deformable ribs 39 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figures 6 to 8Rib 39 has the function of elastically contacting the electrical junction box 2 to suppress the shaking of the electrical junction box 2 inside the storage space 34.

[0049] The following is for reference Figure 7 Rib 39 in the storage space 34 on the right ( Figure 6 Taking section B as an example, the specific structure of the rib will be explained. It should be noted that the rib 39 in the storage space 34 on the left is constructed in the same way.

[0050] Rib 39 is integrally formed from the following parts: a first part 40, which extends vertically and is located in a position separate from the side wall part 31 in the left-right direction; a second part 41, which connects the upper end of the first part 40 to the side wall part 31; and a third part 42, which connects the lower end of the first part 40 to the bottom wall part 32.

[0051] The first part 40 functions as a contact portion that elastically contacts the electrical junction box 2. The second part 41 is inclined in the left-right direction, descending from the side wall portion 31 toward the upper end of the rib 39, and functions as a guide for the electrical junction box 2 during the intermediate stage of its retraction toward the bracket 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "retraction stage"). The third part 42 has a curved shape (generally an arc shape in this example) that convexes toward the outside (specifically, the lower right) of the storage space 34. The third part 42 functions as a means to facilitate the elastic deformation (displacement to the right) of the first part 40.

[0052] A downwardly recessed groove 43 is provided on the bottom wall portion 32 at the location corresponding to the rib 39. The third part 42 of the rib 39 is located inside the groove 43.

[0053] The electrical junction box 2 and bracket 5 constituting the electrical junction box unit 1 have been described above. In order to install and fix the electrical junction box unit 1, which consists of the electrical junction box 2 and bracket 5, to the target component, the electrical junction box 2 needs to be assembled (stored) in the bracket 5.

[0054] To assemble (store) the electrical junction box 2 onto the bracket 5, firstly, prepare at least one electrical junction box 2 according to the vehicle being mounted (in this example, we will explain the case where there are two electrical junction boxes 2). That is, assemble the lower cover 4 onto the frame 3 according to the required number of electrical junction boxes 2.

[0055] Specifically, the locking piece 23 of the lower cover 4 (refer to) Figure 3 and Figure 5 Insert the locking part 12 of frame 3 from below (refer to) Figures 3 to 4Multiple through holes are provided, and from this state, the annular upper edge of the side wall portion 21 of the lower cover 4 is fitted into the annular lower edge of the side wall portion 11 of the frame 3, and multiple locking pieces 23 are respectively locked into multiple locking portions 12. Thus, the lower cover 4 is assembled onto the frame 3, thereby completing the electrical junction box 2 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0056] Then, the prepared electrical junction boxes 2 are respectively placed above the corresponding storage spaces 34 of the bracket 5, so that the electrical junction boxes 2 and the bracket 5 are relatively close to each other in the vertical direction, and the locking part 35 of the bracket 5 (refer to) Figure 2 and Figure 5 ) is locked in the locked part 13 of frame 3 (refer to Figures 3 to 4 ).

[0057] On the other hand, during the storage phase, if the electrical junction box 2 comes into contact with the first part 40, the rib 39 elastically deforms as the first part 40 approaches the side wall 31, and elastically contacts the electrical junction box 2 through a restoring force. Furthermore, when the electrical junction box 2 comes into contact with the second part 41, the rib 39 guides the electrical junction box 2 to the correct storage position.

[0058] In this state, the electrical junction box 2 continues to be housed in the bracket 5, and the electrical junction box 2 is housed in the bracket 5. During the completed housing stage, the electrical junction box 2 is in elastic contact with the rib 39 and is held by the partition wall 33 and the rib 39 (first part 40) (see reference). Figure 8 Thus, the electrical junction box 2 is housed in the bracket 5, completing the electrical junction box unit 1 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0059] Then, by threading the mounting part 37 of the bracket 5 to the target component of the vehicle, the electrical junction box unit 1 (electrical junction box 2) is fixed to the target component. It should be noted that when there is only one electrical junction box 2 housed in the bracket 5, the empty storage space 34 in the bracket 5 becomes a form in which the electrical junction box 2 is not housed (illustration omitted).

[0060] <Effects>

[0061] According to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, the bracket 5 has a rib 39 that holds one side of the electrical junction box 2 inside the storage space 34, thereby absorbing dimensional differences of the electrical junction box 2 through the elastic deformation of the rib. In this example, the other component holding the electrical junction box 2 inside the storage space 34 is a partition wall 33. Furthermore, the elastic contact between the rib 39 and the electrical junction box 2 suppresses the shaking of the electrical junction box 2 within the storage space 34. Thus, the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment absorbs dimensional differences of the electrical junction box 2 caused by manufacturing tolerances, etc., and the electrical junction box 2 exhibits excellent storage properties within the bracket 5.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, when the electrical junction box 2 is retracted into the bracket 5, the electrical junction box 2 is retracted while in contact with the rib 39. The third part 42 has a curved shape, thereby facilitating the elastic deformation of the rib 39 and making it easier for the electrical junction box 2 to be retracted into the bracket 5. In other words, the so-called insertion force (load during retraction) is reduced by the third part 42, making it easier for the electrical junction box 2 to be retracted into the bracket 5.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, by providing a groove 43 at the location of the bottom wall portion 32 corresponding to the rib 39, the bending (e.g., radius of curvature) of the third portion 42 can be increased. As a result, the elastic deformation of the rib 39 becomes easier.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, the electrical junction box 2 can be fixed to the target component by storing it in the bracket 5. Therefore, by storing multiple electrical junction boxes 2 in the bracket 5, multiple electrical junction boxes 2 can be fixed to the target component simultaneously. Thus, compared with conventional electrical junction boxes, the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment offers superior workability in various aspects, including the fixing of the electrical junction boxes 2 to the target component.

[0065] As another effect, the electrical junction box unit 1 according to this embodiment can also reduce the work space required for fixing the target component to each electrical junction box 2, unlike conventional electrical junction boxes.

[0066] As another benefit, according to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, the electrical junction box 2 is mounted on the target component via the bracket 5, thereby achieving standardization of the electrical junction box 2. Therefore, the electrical junction box 2 housed in the bracket 5 can be appropriately modified. For example, when the electrical junction box 2 (electrical junction box unit 1) is mounted on a vehicle, only the bracket 5 needs to be appropriately modified according to the vehicle, making circuit modifications easy.

[0067] As another effect, according to the electrical junction box unit 1 of this embodiment, the electrical junction box 2 is mounted on the target component via the bracket 5. Unlike existing electrical junction boxes, it is possible to avoid mounting an electrical junction box that is not required by the circuit specifications on the target component.

[0068] As another effect, according to the present embodiment, the electrical junction box unit 1, by providing ribs 39 that can be elastically deformed in the bracket 5, does not need to be set with so-called gaps in order to absorb the dimensional deviation of the electrical junction box 2, thus it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the electrical junction box unit 1.

[0069] <Other Options>

[0070] For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified or improved. Furthermore, as long as the present invention can be realized, the material, shape, size, quantity, and arrangement of the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be arbitrary and not limited.

[0071] Here, the features of the embodiments of the electrical junction box unit of the present invention described above are briefly summarized as follows [1] to [4].

[0072] [1] An electrical junction box unit (1) comprising an electrical junction box (2) and a storage component (bracket 5) for storing the electrical junction box, characterized in that,

[0073] The storage component (bracket 5) has a side wall portion (31), a bottom wall portion (32), and a rib (39) that can be elastically deformed to elastically contact the electrical junction box.

[0074] The rib (39) is formed as a component that clamps the electrical junction box (2) inside the storage space (34) of the electrical junction box (2) in the storage component (bracket 5), and is integrally formed by the following parts:

[0075] The first part (40) extends in the storage direction of the storage component (bracket 5) and is separately configured from the side wall part (31) in the electrical junction box (2);

[0076] The second part (41) connects one end of the first part (40) in the storage direction to the side wall part (31);

[0077] The third part (42) connects the other end of the first part (40) in the storage direction to the bottom wall part (32).

[0078] [2] In the electrical junction box unit (1) described in [1] above,

[0079] The electrical junction box (2) is configured to elastically contact the rib (39) and be housed in the housing component (bracket 5).

[0080] The third part (42) has a curved shape that bends outward toward the storage space (34).

[0081] [3] In the electrical junction box unit (1) described in [2] above,

[0082] A groove (43) is provided on the bottom wall portion (32) at the location corresponding to the rib (39).

[0083] The third part (42) is disposed inside the groove (43).

[0084] [4] In any of the electrical junction box units (1) described in any of [1] to [3] above,

[0085] The storage component is a bracket (5) that fixes the electrical junction box (2) to the object component.

[0086] It is configured to accommodate multiple electrical junction boxes (2).

[0087] According to the electrical junction box unit with the structure described above [1], since the housing component has at least one component, namely a rib, that clamps the electrical junction box within the housing space of the housing component, the size difference of the electrical junction box can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the rib. Furthermore, the rib makes elastic contact with the electrical junction box, thereby suppressing the shaking of the electrical junction box within the housing space. In this way, the electrical junction box unit with this structure absorbs the size difference of the electrical junction box caused by manufacturing tolerances, etc., and the electrical junction box has excellent housing properties within the housing component.

[0088] According to the electrical junction box unit with the structure described above [2], when the electrical junction box is retracted into the storage component, the electrical junction box is retracted while it is in elastic contact with the rib. The third part has a curved shape, which makes the elastic deformation of the rib easier, and the electrical junction box is easily retracted into the bracket 5. In other words, through the third part, the so-called insertion force (load during retraction) is reduced, and the retraction of the electrical junction box into the storage component becomes easier.

[0089] According to the electrical junction box unit with the structure described above [3], by providing a groove on the bottom wall corresponding to the rib, the bending (e.g., radius of curvature) of the third part can be increased. As a result, the elastic deformation of the rib becomes easier.

[0090] According to the electrical junction box unit with the structure described above [4], the electrical junction box can be fixed to the target component by storing the electrical junction box in the storage component, which serves as a bracket. Therefore, by storing multiple electrical junction boxes in the bracket (storage component), multiple electrical junction boxes can be fixed to the target component simultaneously. Thus, compared to existing electrical junction boxes, the electrical junction box unit with this structure offers superior workability in various aspects, including the fixing of the electrical junction boxes to the target component.

Claims

1. An electrical junction box unit, comprising an electrical junction box and a storage component for storing the electrical junction box, characterized in that, The storage component has a side wall, a bottom wall, and ribs that are elastically deformable and in elastic contact with the electrical junction box. The rib is formed as a component that clamps the electrical junction box within the storage space of the electrical junction box in the storage member, and is integrally formed by the following parts: The first part extends in the storage direction of the electrical junction box housed in the housing component and is disposed separately from the side wall portion; The second part connects one end of the first part in the storage direction to the side wall portion; The third part connects the other end of the first part in the storage direction to the bottom wall portion.

2. The electrical junction box unit according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical junction box is configured to elastically contact the rib and be housed within the housing component. The third part has a curved shape that bends outward toward the storage space.

3. The electrical junction box unit according to claim 2, wherein, A groove is provided in the bottom wall portion at the location corresponding to the rib. The third part is disposed inside the groove.

4. The electrical junction box unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage component is a bracket that fixes the electrical junction box to the object component, and is configured to store multiple electrical junction boxes.

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