Electrical connection box

By setting an extension of the conductive component in the electrical connection box and using an insulating component to insulate it from the low-current circuit, the problem of heat dissipation in the high-current circuit is solved, achieving effective heat dissipation of the low-current circuit and miniaturization of the electrical connection box.

CN122095531APending Publication Date: 2026-05-26AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD +2
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
Filing Date
2024-10-03
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In electrical connection boxes, the heat generated by high-current circuits is difficult to dissipate effectively to low-current circuit areas, making thermal management of low-current circuit areas in the housing difficult.

Method used

An extension of a conductive component is provided in the electrical connection box, positioned in the low-current circuit area, and insulated from the low-current circuit by an insulating component, thereby transferring the heat generated by the high-current circuit to the low-current area for heat dissipation.

Benefits of technology

It achieves effective heat dissipation in low-current circuit areas, avoids the need for large electrical connection boxes, and improves thermal management efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The electrical connection box (1) includes: a high current circuit (2, 3) through which a high current flows; a low current circuit (4, 5, 6) through which a lower current than that of the high current circuit (2, 3) flows; a housing (10) on which the high current circuit (2, 3) and the low current circuit (4, 5, 6) are arranged; conductive members (21, 22, 23) electrically connected to the high current circuit (2, 3); and an insulating member (30). The housing (10) has a low current region (17) on which the low current circuit (4, 5, 6) is arranged. The conductive members (21, 22, 23) have extensions (21B, 22B, 23B) disposed in the low current region (17). The insulating member (30) insulates the extensions (21B, 22B, 23B) from the low current circuit (4, 5, 6).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electrical connection boxes. Background Technology

[0002] As an electrical connection box for connecting to a battery, a circuit structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-87265 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known. The circuit structure described in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and connects the battery to the vehicle-side load via a main relay. The circuit structure includes: a main relay; a busbar connected to the main relay; a pre-charge circuit connected in parallel with the main relay; and a housing that houses the main relay, the busbar, and the pre-charge circuit.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-87265 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the above structure, a high current flows through the circuit including the main relay and the busbar. Hereinafter, the circuit including the main relay and the busbar will be referred to as the high-current circuit. Typically, in an electrical connection box, in addition to the high-current circuit, a low-current circuit, such as the pre-charging circuit described above, is also provided, which flows a lower current compared to the high-current circuit. In the above structure, the high-current circuit is arranged in the housing to avoid the low-current circuit. Therefore, in the area within the housing where the low-current circuit is located, it is difficult to dissipate the heat generated in the high-current circuit.

[0008] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0009] The electrical connection box disclosed herein comprises: a high-current circuit through which a high current flows; a low-current circuit through which a lower current flows than that of the high-current circuit; a housing on which the high-current circuit and the low-current circuit are disposed; a conductive member electrically connected to the high-current circuit; and an insulating member, wherein the housing has a low-current region on which the low-current circuit is disposed, the conductive member has an extension disposed in the low-current region, and the insulating member insulates the extension from the low-current circuit.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to this disclosure, the area in the electrical connection box where low-current circuits are configured can be used for heat dissipation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top view of the electrical junction box according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the electrical junction box according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the electrical junction box according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top view of the low-current circuit and high-current circuit included in the electrical junction box according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the busbar constituting the low-current circuit according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a top view of the electrical junction box involved in Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 BB cross-sectional view.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a top view of the electrical junction box involved in Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 CC section view.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a top view of the electrical junction box involved in Embodiment 4.

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 DD sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0024] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure are first described by listing them.

[0026] [1] The electrical connection box disclosed herein comprises: a high current circuit through which a high current flows; a low current circuit through which a current lower than that of the high current circuit flows; a housing on which the high current circuit and the low current circuit are disposed; a conductive member electrically connected to the high current circuit; and an insulating member, wherein the housing has a low current region on which the low current circuit is disposed, the conductive member has an extension disposed in the low current region, and the insulating member insulates the extension from the low current circuit.

[0027] With this structure, since the extension is arranged in the low current region, the heat generated by the high current circuit can be transferred to the low current region.

[0028] [2] In the above [1], it is preferred that the insulating member and the conductive member are integrally formed.

[0029] This structure makes the assembly of insulating and conductive components easier.

[0030] [3] In [1] or [2] above, it is preferred that the extension portion is opposite to the low current circuit in a first direction, and the extension portion is in the form of a thin plate in the first direction.

[0031] This structure allows for miniaturization of the electrical connection box in the first direction. Furthermore, by increasing the area of ​​the extension when viewed from the first direction, heat can be easily transferred from the extension to the low-current region.

[0032] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], preferably, the low current circuit includes an electronic component and a busbar connected to the electronic component, the extension is opposite to the low current circuit in a first direction, the busbar has a plate-shaped portion that is thin in the first direction and is opposite to the insulating member in the first direction, and the electronic component, the opposite portion, the insulating member and the extension are arranged in this order in the first direction.

[0033] With this structure, heat generated by the high-current circuit can be easily transferred from the extension to the busbar via the insulating member. Furthermore, heat can be easily transferred from the busbar to the low-current region of the housing.

[0034] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, as illustrated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, portions of the structure are sometimes shown exaggeratedly or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in the various drawings.

[0036] Furthermore, in this specification, "relative" refers to a position where surfaces or components are facing each other, including not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Additionally, "relative" in this specification includes both cases where a component different from the two parts is sandwiched between the two parts and cases where nothing is sandwiched between the two parts.

[0037] <Implementation Method 1>

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 6 Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow Z will be upward, the direction indicated by arrow X will be forward, and the direction indicated by arrow Y will be leftward. Furthermore, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only a portion of the components are labeled, omitting the labels of the other components.

[0039] (Electrical connection box 1)

[0040] The electrical connection box 1 of this embodiment is mounted in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and is configured in the power supply path from the battery to loads such as the electric motor. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrical connection box 1 includes two high-current circuits 2 and 3, three low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6, a housing 10, three conductive components 21, 22, and 23, and an insulating component 30. For example, one end of the high-current circuits 2 and 3 is connected to the battery side, and the other end of the high-current circuits 2 and 3 is connected to the load side. A moderately high current flows through the high-current circuits 2 and 3 during vehicle operation. A lower current flows through the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 compared to the current flowing through the high-current circuits 2 and 3.

[0041] (Shell 10)

[0042] The housing 10 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the housing 10 is generally box-shaped and opens upwards. The housing 10 has a bottom wall 11 and a peripheral wall 12 extending upwards from the outer edge of the bottom wall 11. The peripheral wall 12 is provided with outlet recesses 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D for leading the ends of the high-current circuits 2 and 3 to the outside of the electrical connection box 1. The bottom wall 11 has a fixing part 13, relay housing parts 14A, 14B, and 14C, a resistor housing part 15, and external connection parts 16A and 16B.

[0043] The fixing part 13 is columnar, protruding upward from the bottom wall 11, and has a nut (not shown) disposed inside. Figure 4 As shown, the fixing part 13 fixes the insulating member 30 to the housing 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, relays 4A, 5A, and 6A are mounted from the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 to relay housings 14A, 14B, and 14C, respectively. Similarly, resistor 4B is mounted from the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 to resistor housing 15. Figure 6As shown, through holes are provided in the relay housing portions 14A, 14B, 14C and the resistor housing portion 15, respectively, through which the terminal portions 4A1, 5A1, 6A1, 4B1 of each component housed are led out to the upper surface of the bottom wall 11. External connection portions 16A and 16B are columnar protrusions extending upwards from the bottom wall 11. External connection portions 16A and 16B each have through holes leading the ends of the fifth busbar 5C and the seventh busbar 6C to the lower surface of the bottom wall 11.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 10 has a low-current region 17 in which low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 are arranged. The low-current region 17 is defined as the space near the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6. In this embodiment, the low-current region 17 is disposed in the left and right central portions within the housing 10 and extends relatively far in the front-back direction. For example, the lower end of the low-current region 17 is the upper surface of the bottom wall 11, and the upper end of the low-current region 17 is the upper end of the peripheral wall 12. The low-current region 17 is arranged such that it is sandwiched between two high-current circuits 2 and 3 in the left-right direction.

[0045] The electrical connection box 1 may also have a cover (not shown) that encloses the housing 10 from the top. The cover may be, for example, plate-shaped and made of insulating synthetic resin.

[0046] (High Current Circuit 2)

[0047] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the high-current circuit 2 is located on the left side of the housing 10. Figure 5 As shown, the high-current circuit 2 includes a main relay 2A, a first main busbar 2B, and a second main busbar 2C. The main relay 2A is a large mechanical relay energized by a high current from a battery. The main relay 2A has the property of generating heat when energized. The main relay 2A includes a main body 2A1 and a partition wall 2A2 extending from the left surface of the main body 2A1. The main body 2A1 is block-shaped. On the left surface of the main body 2A1, two terminal portions (not shown) are formed in the shape of nuts and are arranged across the partition wall 2A2. The terminal portion located on the rear side of the main relay 2A is connected to the front side of the first main busbar 2B by bolts. The terminal portion located on the front side of the main relay 2A is connected to the rear side of the second main busbar 2C by bolts.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the first main busbar 2B and the second main busbar 2C are components formed by punching and bending metal sheets, respectively. The rear end of the first main busbar 2B extends from the outlet recess 12A to the outside of the housing 10. The end of the second main busbar 2C on the side opposite to the main relay 2A extends from the outlet recess 12B to the outside of the housing 10.

[0049] (High Current Circuit 3)

[0050] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the high-current circuit 3 is located on the right side of the housing 10. Figure 5 As shown, the high-current circuit 3 includes a main relay 3A, a main fuse 3B, a third main busbar 3C, a fourth main busbar 3D, and a fifth main busbar 3E. The main relay 3A is a large mechanical relay energized by a high current from a battery. The main relay 3A heats up when energized. The main relay 3A includes a main body 3A1 and a partition wall 3A2 extending from the right surface of the main body 3A1. The main body 3A1 is block-shaped. On the right surface of the main body 3A1, two terminal portions (not shown) are formed in the shape of nuts and are arranged across the partition wall 3A2. The terminal portion located at the rear of the main relay 3A is connected to the front portion of the third main busbar 3C by bolts. The terminal portion located at the front of the main relay 3A is connected to the rear portion of the fourth main busbar 3D by bolts.

[0051] The main fuse 3B has the property of heating up when energized. The main fuse 3B includes a main body 3B1 and two terminal portions 3B2 extending from the front and rear ends of the main body 3B1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the main body 3B1 is block-shaped. The terminal part 3B2 is made of metal. The terminal part 3B2 is a plate-shaped part that is relatively thin in the vertical direction. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal portion 3B2, located on the rear side of the main fuse 3B, is connected to the front side of the fourth main busbar 3D by bolts. The terminal portion 3B2, located on the front side of the main fuse 3B, is connected to the left side of the fifth main busbar 3E by bolts.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the third main busbar 3C, the fourth main busbar 3D, and the fifth main busbar 3E are components formed by punching and bending metal sheets. The rear end of the third main busbar 3C extends from the outlet recess 12C to the outside of the housing 10. The right end of the fifth main busbar 3E extends from the outlet recess 12D to the outside of the housing 10.

[0053] (Low Current Circuit 4)

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the low-current circuit 4 is located in the left-hand region of the low-current region 17. The low-current circuit 4 is positioned behind the low-current circuit 5. The low-current circuit 4 is a so-called pre-charge circuit, such as... Figure 5As shown, the main relay 2A of the high-current circuit 2 is connected in parallel. The low-current circuit 4 includes a relay 4A, a resistor 4B, a first busbar 4C, a second busbar 4D, and a third busbar 4E. The relay 4A and resistor 4B are examples of electronic components. The relay 4A and resistor 4B have the property of heating up when energized. The first busbar 4C, the second busbar 4D, and the third busbar 4E are examples of busbars.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the first busbar 4C, the second busbar 4D, and the third busbar 4E are components formed by punching and bending metal sheets. The left end of the first busbar 4C is connected to the first main busbar 2B by bolts. The right end of the first busbar 4C is connected to the rear terminal 4B1 of the resistor 4B by welding. The rear end of the second busbar 4D is connected to the front terminal 4B1 of the resistor 4B by welding. The front end of the second busbar 4D is connected to the right terminal 4A1 of the relay 4A by welding. The right end of the third busbar 4E is connected to the left terminal 4A1 of the relay 4A by welding. The left end of the third busbar 4E is connected to the second main busbar 2C by bolts.

[0056] (Low Current Circuit 5)

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the low-current circuit 5 is located in the front region of the low-current region 17. (As indicated...) Figure 5 As shown, the low-current circuit 5 includes a relay 5A, a fourth bus 5B, and a fifth bus 5C. The relay 5A is an example of an electronic component. The relay 5A has the property of generating heat when energized. The fourth bus 5B and the fifth bus 5C are examples of busbars. Figure 6 As shown, the fourth busbar 5B and the fifth busbar 5C are components formed by punching and bending metal sheets. The left end of the fourth busbar 5B is connected to the second main busbar 2C by bolts. The right end of the fourth busbar 5B is connected to the left terminal portion 5A1 of the relay 5A by welding. The left end of the fifth busbar 5C is connected to the right terminal portion 5A1 of the relay 5A by welding. The right end of the fifth busbar 5C extends outward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 through the external connection portion 16A.

[0058] (Low Current Circuit 6)

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the low-current circuit 6 is located in the right-hand region of the low-current region 17. The low-current circuit 6 is located to the right of the low-current circuit 4. Figure 5As shown, the low-current circuit 6 includes a relay 6A, a sixth bus 6B, and a seventh bus 6C. The relay 6A is an example of an electronic component. The relay 6A has the property of generating heat when energized. The sixth bus 6B and the seventh bus 6C are examples of busbars. Figure 6 As shown, the sixth busbar 6B and the seventh busbar 6C are components formed by punching and bending metal sheets. The right side of the sixth busbar 6B is connected to the fourth main busbar 3D by bolts. The left end of the sixth busbar 6B is connected to the right terminal 6A1 of the relay 6A by welding. The front end of the seventh busbar 6C is connected to the left terminal 6A1 of the relay 6A by welding. The rear end of the seventh busbar 6C extends outward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 through the external connection part 16B.

[0060] Low-current circuits 5 and 6 include, for example, air conditioning circuits, circuits connected to DC / DC converters, solar charging circuits, and AC charging circuits.

[0061] (Insulating component 30)

[0062] The insulating component 30 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the insulating member 30 is, for example, a thin plate in the vertical direction. The insulating member 30 is arranged to cover the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 from above. The insulating member 30 is fixed to the fixing part 13 by bolts.

[0063] (Conductive component 21)

[0064] Conductive components 21, 22, and 23 are formed by punching and bending metal sheets. The metals constituting conductive components 21, 22, and 23 are, for example, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or aluminum alloys. Conductive component 21 has a connecting portion 21A that is electrically connected to the high-current circuit 2 and an extension portion 21B disposed in the low-current region 17. The extension portion 21B is a plate-like shape that is thinner in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction). The connecting portion 21A extends to the left from the front-rear center of the extension portion 21B. The connecting portion 21A is connected to the second main busbar 2C, for example, by bolt fastening.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the extension portion 21B and a portion of the low-current circuits 4 and 5 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. An insulating member 30 is sandwiched between the extension portion 21B and the low-current circuits 4 and 5. The insulating member 30 prevents the extension portion 21B from conducting with the low-current circuits 4 and 5. That is, the insulating member 30 insulates the extension portion 21B from the low-current circuits 4 and 5.

[0066] (Conductive component 22)

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the conductive member 22 includes a connection portion 22A electrically connected to the high-current circuit 3 and an extension portion 22B disposed in the low-current region 17. The extension portion 22B is a plate-shaped portion that is thinner in the vertical direction. The connection portion 22A extends to the right from the front portion of the extension portion 22B. The connection portion 22A is connected to the terminal portion 3B2 on the rear side of the fourth main busbar 3D and the main fuse 3B, for example, by means of bolt fastening.

[0068] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the extension portion 22B and a portion of the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. An insulating member 30 is sandwiched between the extension portion 22B and the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6. The insulating member 30 prevents the extension portion 22B from conducting with the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6. That is, the insulating member 30 insulates the extension portion 22B from the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6.

[0069] (Conductive component 23)

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the conductive member 23 includes a connection portion 23A electrically connected to the high-current circuit 3 and an extension portion 23B disposed in the low-current region 17. The extension portion 23B is in the form of a plate that is thinner in the vertical direction. The connection portion 23A extends to the right from the front portion of the extension portion 23B. The connection portion 23A is connected, for example, to the terminal portion 3B2 on the front side of the fifth main busbar 3E and the main fuse 3B by bolt fastening.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the extension portion 23B and a portion of the low-current circuit 5 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. An insulating member 30 is sandwiched between the extension portion 23B and the low-current circuit 5. The insulating member 30 prevents the extension portion 23B from conducting with the low-current circuit 5. That is, the insulating member 30 insulates the extension portion 23B from the low-current circuit 5.

[0072] The high-current circuits 2 and 3 have components that generate heat when energized (main relays 2A and 3A, main fuse 3B), and a high current continuously flows through them due to vehicle use, thus generating a large amount of heat. In this embodiment, by providing conductive members 21, 22, and 23, the heat generated by the high-current circuits 2 and 3 can be released to the low-current region 17 where the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 are arranged. Therefore, heat dissipation can be achieved based on the overall housing 10 including the low-current region 17. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the enlargement of the electrical connection box 1 can be suppressed and heat dissipation of the electrical connection box 1 can be achieved.

[0073] In this embodiment, the conductive member 21 is disposed close to the main relay 2A. Furthermore, the conductive members 22 and 23 are connected to the terminal portion 3B2 of the main fuse 3B. Thus, by placing the conductive members 21, 22, and 23 near or in contact with the heat-generating components, heat can be transferred more efficiently from the high-current circuits 2 and 3 to the low-current region 17 via the conductive members 21, 22, and 23.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, each busbar 4C, 4D, 4E, 5B, 5C, 6B, and 6C constituting the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6 has a plate-like portion 4C1, 4D1, 4E1, 5B1, 5C1, 6B1, and 6C1 that is thin in the vertical direction and is arranged opposite to the insulating member 30 in the vertical direction. Figure 2 As shown, relay 5A, opposing portions 5B1 and 5C1, insulating member 30, and extension portions 21B and 22B are arranged in this order from bottom to top in the vertical direction. Opposing portions 5B1 and 5C1 are located above relay 5A and below insulating member 30. This structure increases the area of ​​the portions of the fourth busbar 5B and fifth busbar 5C opposite to insulating member 30, making it easier to arrange the fourth busbar 5B and fifth busbar 5C close to insulating member 30. Therefore, heat can be easily transferred from extension portions 21B and 22B to the fourth busbar 5B and fifth busbar 5C via insulating member 30.

[0075] Although not shown in detail, the opposite parts 4C1, 4D1, 4E1, 6B1, and 6C1 are also arranged above the electronic components (relay 4A, resistor 4B, and relay 6A) and below the insulating member 30 in the same manner as described above.

[0076] (Effects of Implementation Method 1)

[0077] (1-1) The electrical connection box 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes: high current circuits 2 and 3, through which high current flows; low current circuits 4, 5 and 6, through which currents lower than those of the high current circuits 2 and 3 flow; a housing 10, on which the high current circuits 2 and 3 and the low current circuits 4, 5 and 6 are arranged; conductive members 21, 22 and 23, electrically connected to the high current circuits 2 and 3; and an insulating member 30. The housing 10 has a low current region 17 on which the low current circuits 4, 5 and 6 are arranged. The conductive members 21, 22 and 23 have extensions 21B, 22B and 23B disposed in the low current region 17. The insulating member 30 insulates the extensions 21B, 22B and 23B from the low current circuits 4, 5 and 6.

[0078] With this structure, since extensions 21B, 22B, and 23B are arranged in the low current region 17, the heat generated by the high current circuits 2 and 3 can be transferred to the low current region 17.

[0079] (1-2) In Embodiment 1, the extension portions 21B, 22B, and 23B are opposite to the low current circuits 4, 5, and 6 in the first direction (vertical direction), and the extension portions 21B, 22B, and 23B are in the shape of thin plates in the first direction.

[0080] With this structure, the electrical connection box 1 can be miniaturized in the first direction. In addition, by increasing the area of ​​the extensions 21B, 22B, and 23B when viewed from the first direction, heat can be easily transferred from the extensions 21B, 22B, and 23B to the low current region 17.

[0081] (1-3) In Embodiment 1, the low current circuit 5 includes an electronic component (relay 5A) and a busbar (fourth busbar 5B and fifth busbar 5C) connected to the electronic component. The extensions 21B and 22B are opposite to the low current circuit 5 in a first direction (vertical direction). The busbar has a plate-shaped part 5B1 and 5C1 that are thin in the first direction and are opposite to the insulating member 30 in the first direction. The electronic component, the opposite part 5B1 and 5C1, the insulating member 30 and the extensions 21B and 22B are arranged in this order in the first direction.

[0082] With this structure, the heat generated by the high-current circuits 2 and 3 can be easily transferred from the extensions 21B and 22B to the busbar via the insulating member 30. Furthermore, heat can be easily transferred from the busbar to the low-current region 17 of the housing 10.

[0083] <Implementation Method Two>

[0084] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The electrical connection box 101 involved in the second embodiment is constructed in a substantially the same way as that in the first embodiment, except for the structure of the insulating member 130. Therefore, descriptions of components and effects that are the same as those in the first embodiment are sometimes omitted.

[0085] In this embodiment, the insulating member 130 is integrally formed with the conductive members 21, 22, and 23. The extensions 21B, 22B, and 23B of the conductive members 21, 22, and 23 are each covered by the insulating member 130. With this structure, when the insulating member 130 is assembled into the housing 10, the conductive members 21, 22, and 23 are also positioned relative to the high-current circuits 2 and 3, thus facilitating the connection of the conductive member 21 to the high-current circuit 2 and the connection of the conductive members 22 and 23 to the high-current circuit 3. Furthermore, heat is easily transferred from the conductive members 21, 22, and 23 to the insulating member 130.

[0086] (Effects of Implementation Method Two)

[0087] (2-1) In the electrical connection box 101 according to Embodiment 2, the insulating member 130 is integrally formed with the conductive members 21, 22, and 23.

[0088] With this structure, the assembly of insulating member 130 and conductive members 21, 22, and 23 becomes easy.

[0089] <Implementation Method 3>

[0090] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The electrical connection box 201 involved in the third embodiment is constructed in a substantially the same way as that in the first embodiment, except for the structure of the insulating member 230. Therefore, descriptions of components and effects that are the same as those in the first embodiment are sometimes omitted.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, the insulating member 230 in this embodiment is an insulating coating formed on the surface of each extension 21B, 22B, 23B opposite to the low-current circuits 4, 5, 6. Since the insulating member 230 is integrated with each extension 21B, 22B, 23B, the housing 210 of this embodiment may not have the fixing part 13 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the insulating member 230 of this embodiment is lighter than the plate-shaped insulating member 30 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, it is easier to reduce the weight of the electrical connection box 201.

[0092] As a variation of this embodiment, the insulating coating portion may not be formed in the extension portions 21B, 22B, 23B, but in the portion of the low current circuits 4, 5, 6 opposite to the extension portions 21B, 22B, 23B.

[0093] <Implementation Method Four>

[0094] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Except for the structure of the insulating members 330A, 330B, and 330C, the electrical connection box 301 involved in the fourth embodiment is constructed in a substantially the same way as that in the third embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same components and effects as those in the first and third embodiments is sometimes omitted.

[0095] The insulating components 330A, 330B, and 330C in this embodiment are protective members installed on each of the extension portions 21B, 22B, and 23B. The insulating components 330A, 330B, and 330C are made of insulating synthetic resin. The insulating components 330A, 330B, and 330C cover at least the portions of each extension portion 21B, 22B, and 23B that are opposite to the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6. The insulating components 330A, 330B, and 330C may, for example, be cover-shaped components assembled to cover the outer surfaces of each extension portion 21B, 22B, and 23B. The insulating components 330A, 330B, and 330C may, for example, be integrally formed relative to each extension portion 21B, 22B, and 23B. According to this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 3, the fixing part 13 may not be provided in the housing 210. Furthermore, this makes it easier to reduce the weight of the electrical connection box 301.

[0096] As a variation of this embodiment, the protective element may not be formed in the extension portions 21B, 22B, and 23B, but rather in the low-current circuits 4, 5, and 6.

[0097] (Other implementation methods)

[0098] The above-described embodiments one through four can be modified as follows. The modifications to embodiments one through four and below can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0099] The number of high-current circuits, low-current circuits, conductive components, and insulating components in this disclosure may also differ from the above embodiments one to four.

[0100] In the above embodiments one to four, relays 4A, 5A, and 6A and resistor 4B were exemplified as electronic components, but the electronic components of this disclosure may not be relays or resistors. Electronic components may include, for example, coils, capacitors, fuses, diodes, ICs (Integrated Circuits), FETs (Field Effect Transistors), and other switching elements.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0102] 1: Electrical connection box; 2: High-current circuits; 2A: Main relay; 2A1: Main body; 2A2: Partition wall; 2B: First main busbar; 2C: Second main busbar; 3: High-current circuits; 3A: Main relay; 3A1: Main body; 3A2: Partition wall; 3B: Main fuse; 3B1: Main body; 3B2: Terminal section; 3C: Third main busbar; 3D: Fourth main bus bar; 3E: Fifth main busbar; 4: Low current circuit; 4A: Relay; 4A1: Terminal part; 4B: Resistor; 4B1: Terminal section; 4C: First busbar; 4C1: Relative part; 4D: Second busbar; 4D1: Relative part; 4E: Third busbar; 4E1: Relative part; 5: Low current circuit; 5A: Relay; 5A1: Terminal section; 5B: Fourth busbar; 5B1: Relative part; 5C: Fifth busbar; 5C1: Relative part; 6: Low current circuit; 6A: Relay; 6A1: Terminal section; 6B: Sixth busbar; 6B1: Relative part; 6C: Seventh busbar; 6C1: Relative part; 10: Shell; 11: Bottom wall; 12: Zhou Bi; 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D: Derivation of the concave portion; 13: Fixing part; 14A, 14B, 14C: Relay housing; 15: Resistor housing section; 16A, 16B: External connection parts; 17: Low current region; 21: Conductive components; 21A: Connecting part; 21B: Extension section; 22: Conductive components; 22A: Connecting part; 22B: Extension section; 23: Conductive components; 23A: Connecting part; 23B: Extension section; 30: Insulating components; 101: Electrical connection box; 130: Insulating components; 201: Electrical connection box; 210: Shell; 230: Insulating components; 301: Electrical connection box; 330A, 330B, 330C: Insulating components.

Claims

1. An electrical connection box, comprising: High-current circuits carry high currents; A low-current circuit carries a lower current than the high-current circuit. The housing is provided with the high-current circuit and the low-current circuit; A conductive component is electrically connected to the high-current circuit. as well as Insulating components, The housing has a low-current region where the low-current circuit is arranged. The conductive member has an extension disposed in the low current region. The insulating member insulates the extension from the low-current circuit.

2. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating component is integrally formed with the conductive component.

3. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension is opposite to the low-current circuit in a first direction. The extension portion is in the form of a thin plate in the first direction.

4. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The low-current circuit includes electronic components and a busbar connected to the electronic components. The extension is opposite to the low-current circuit in a first direction. The busbar has a plate-like portion that is thin in the first direction and is opposite to the insulating member in the first direction. The electronic component, the opposing portion, the insulating member, and the extension portion are arranged in this order in the first direction.