Electric connection box and fixing structure of electric connection box to a stationary member

Abstract

The electric connection box (3) has: a first housing (41) having a peripheral wall (412) open to one side in a first direction; and a grounding terminal (7) grounded to the first housing (41). In addition, the first housing (41) has an exposed fixing portion (413) exposed to the one side in the first direction on the inner side of the peripheral wall (412) when viewed from the one side in the first direction. Further, the exposed fixing portion (413) has a grounding terminal fixing portion (414) grounding the grounding terminal (7) and a fixing member fixing portion (415) fixing the first housing (41) to the fixing member (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connection box and a fixing structure for the electrical connection box to a fixed component. Background Technology

[0002] As a conventional electrical connection box, the electrical connection box disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, the electrical connection box includes: a frame having a shell; and a circuit board, as an internal component, which is housed and fixed inside the frame. The circuit board is housed and fixed inside the frame by fixing it to a fixing part formed in the shell. Furthermore, a fixing plate for mounting the electrical connection box to a fixing member is provided in the shell. The fixing plate is fastened to the fixing member using bolts or other fastening components, thereby mounting the electrical connection box to the fixing member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-005634 Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] In this way, by installing the electrical connection box into the structure of the fixed component while the internal components are fixed to the housing, it is preferable to make effective use of the part where the internal components are fixed.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Moreover, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection box that can effectively utilize the part for fixing internal components, and a fixing structure for fixing the electrical connection box to the fixing part.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The electrical connection box of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first housing having a peripheral wall that opens to one side in a first direction; a grounding terminal that is grounded and fixed to the first housing; an exposed fixing portion formed in the first housing that protrudes from the inner side of the peripheral wall to one side in the first direction when viewed from the first direction; a grounding terminal fixing portion for grounding and fixing the grounding terminal and a fixing member fixing portion for fixing the first housing to a fixing member are formed in the exposed fixing portion.

[0011] The second embodiment of the present invention has an electrical connection box and a fixing structure for fixing the fixing component, which includes the electrical connection box of the first embodiment and a fixing component for fixing the electrical connection box.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, an electrical connection box that can effectively utilize the portion for fixing internal components and a fixing structure for fixing the electrical connection box to the fixing component can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the fixing structure of the electrical junction box to the fixing component in one embodiment, viewed from the surface side.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the fixing structure of the electrical junction box to the fixing component in one embodiment, viewed from the rear side.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box of one embodiment broken down into the fixing structure of the fixing component and the fixing component, viewed from the side.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view, viewed from the rear side, showing the electrical junction box of one embodiment broken down into the electrical junction box and the fixing component.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the fixing structure of an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to one embodiment, and a top view showing the fixing structure of the electrical junction box to the fixing member with the cover of the electrical junction box removed.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing the fixing structure of an electrical junction box to a fixing component according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the grounding terminal fixing part and the fixing part of the fixing component overlap in a first direction in the fixing structure of the electrical junction box to the fixing component according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the electrical junction box of one embodiment with its cover removed.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for mounting a busbar, which is a conductor in one embodiment, onto a second housing.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the state in which the busbar, as one embodiment of the conductor, is installed in the second housing.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for mounting a wire crimp terminal, which is a conductor in one embodiment, to a second housing.

[0025] Figure 12This is an exploded perspective view of the frame on which a wire crimp terminal, which is a conductor as one embodiment, is installed, viewed from the rear side.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for mounting a grounding terminal of one embodiment to a first housing.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the fixing structure of an electrical connection box to a fixed component in a modified example, and a top view showing the fixing structure of the electrical connection box to the fixed component with the cover of the electrical connection box removed.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in a modified example of the fixing structure of an electrical connection box to a fixing component, where the grounding terminal fixing part and the fixing component fixing part are located on the same side in a first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, the electrical connection box and the fixing structure of the electrical connection box to the fixing member of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions in the drawings are exaggerated for ease of explanation and may differ from the actual dimensions.

[0030] Furthermore, in the following description of the various structures of the electrical connection box, the vertical direction of the electrical connection box will be defined with one side of the box fixed to the fixing component facing downwards. Specifically, the vertical direction of the electrical connection box with one side of the box fixed to the fixing component facing downwards will be defined as the Z direction (first direction) for explanation. Moreover, the length direction of the electrical connection box will be defined as the X direction (second direction) for explanation, and the width direction of the electrical connection box will be defined as the Y direction (third direction) for explanation.

[0031] The electrical connection box 3 in this embodiment is also called a junction box, relay box, fuse box, electronic control unit box, etc., and is a device installed in vehicles and the like that has the function of distributing power.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrical connection box 3 has a frame 4 that forms the outer contour of the electrical connection box 3. The internal space of the frame 4 houses electronic components, terminal blocks 5, conductors 6, and other components that constitute various circuits (internal components). Furthermore, by fixing the frame 4, which houses the internal components, to the fixing component 2, a fixed structure of the electrical connection box to the fixing component is formed.

[0033] Furthermore, the fixing component 2 is fixed to a mounting component such as a vehicle body panel (not shown) by means of threaded fastening or the like. In this way, by fixing the fixing component 2 to the mounting component such as a vehicle body panel (not shown) by means of threaded fastening or the like, the electrical connection box 3 is mounted on the vehicle or the like.

[0034] The frame 4 includes: a housing 40, which opens upward (on one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) to accommodate internal components; and a cover 45, which is disposed above the housing 40 and blocks the opening of the housing 40.

[0035] In this embodiment, the housing 40 includes an outer housing (first housing) 41 that forms the outer contour of the housing 40 and an inner housing (second housing) 42 disposed inside the outer housing (first housing) 41.

[0036] The outer casing (first housing) 41 can be formed using a metallic material (conductive material) such as aluminum. In this embodiment, the outer casing (first housing) 41 has a generally rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall 411 and a peripheral wall 412 extending from the periphery (four sides) of the bottom wall 411 toward the upper (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Thus, in this embodiment, the outer casing (first housing) 41, having a generally rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall 411 and a peripheral wall 412 opening at the upper (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), is formed into a generally box-shaped structure.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wall portions extending along the Y direction (width direction, third direction) on both sides of the peripheral wall 412 in the X direction (length direction: second direction) are formed with cutouts 4121 that open upwards in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). The power supply wire 611, control wire 621, and grounding wire 71, described later, are led out from these cutouts 4121 to the outside of the frame 4. Additionally, an exposed fixing portion 413 for grounding and fixing the grounding terminal 7 is formed on the outer shell (first housing) 41, protruding upwards (to one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). In this embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413 also functions as a spacer for placing the inner shell (second housing) 42 within the outer shell (first housing) 41 in a positioned state.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of terminal blocks 5 are formed on the inner housing (second housing) 42, and conductors 6 corresponding to each terminal block 5 are fastened (fixed) to the terminal blocks 5 in an electrically connected state. These plurality of terminal blocks 5 and conductors 6 constitute part of various circuits provided in vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Examples of such circuits include, for example, a power supply circuit that has the function of distributing current supplied from a power supply unit such as a battery or alternator, and a control circuit provided in a vehicle control device.

[0039] In this embodiment, a first terminal block 51, comprising a power-conducting busbar (first conductor) 513 that forms part of a power-conducting circuit, is formed on the inner housing (second housing) 42. This power-conducting circuit functions to distribute current supplied from power supply units such as batteries and alternators. Furthermore, a power-conducting wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is fastened (fixed) to the first terminal block 51. Additionally, a second terminal block 52 is formed on the inner housing (second housing) 42, comprising a control busbar (third conductor) 523 that forms part of a control circuit that supplies electrical signals to various electronic devices included in the vehicle's control device. Furthermore, a control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is fastened (fixed) to the second terminal block 52.

[0040] The inner housing (second housing) 42 has a bottom wall 421 and a peripheral wall 422 extending from the periphery of the bottom wall 421 toward the top (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Furthermore, the inner housing (second housing) 42 separates the power supply circuit and the control circuit, and has a partition wall 423 for suppressing interference between the power supply circuit and the control circuit.

[0041] Furthermore, the first terminal block 51 includes a conductor support portion 511 for mounting the energized busbar (first conductor) 513 on the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421 in a non-detached state. In this embodiment, the conductor support portion 511 includes a support rib 5111 protruding upward from the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. Additionally, the conductor support portion 511 includes a support piece 5112 continuously disposed downwardly along the upper end of the support rib 5111 and capable of elastically deforming relative to the support rib 5111 along the surface 421a. Furthermore, a hook portion 51121 is formed at the lower end of the support piece 5112 to restrict upward movement of the energized busbar (first conductor) 513.

[0042] Similarly, the second terminal block 52 includes a conductor support portion 521 for mounting the control busbar (third conductor) 523 on the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421 in a non-detached state. This conductor support portion 521 also includes a support rib 5211 protruding upward from the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. Furthermore, the conductor support portion 521 includes a support piece 5212 continuously disposed downwardly along the upper end of the support rib 5211 and capable of elastically deforming relative to the support rib 5211 along the surface 421a. A hook portion 52121 is formed at the lower end of the support piece 5212 to restrict upward movement of the control busbar (third conductor) 523.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first terminal block 51 includes a bolt portion 512 for connecting the energized busbar (first conductor) 513 to the energized wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. The second terminal block 52 includes a bolt portion 522 for connecting the control busbar (third conductor) 523 to the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0044] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 421, the peripheral wall 422, the partition wall 423, the conductor support portion 511, the conductor support portion 521, the bolt portion 512, and the bolt portion 522 are integrally formed using an electrically insulating resin material.

[0045] Thus, in this embodiment, the electrical connection box 3 further includes an inner housing (second housing) 42 disposed inside the peripheral wall 412 and having electrical insulation, and a terminal block 5 is provided in the inner housing (second housing) 42. Therefore, the main circuit formed by connecting the conductor 6 to the terminal block 5 can be protected within the inner housing (second housing) 42. Thus, by arranging the terminal block 5, which constitutes part of the main circuit, and the conductor 6 connected to the terminal block 5 inside the housing 40 which is formed with a double structure (within the inner housing 42), the main circuit can be more reliably protected from external factors.

[0046] In addition, conductor support portions 511, 521, bolt portions 512, 522 may also be formed from components different from the bottom wall 421.

[0047] Furthermore, the current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 513 includes a flat portion 5131 extending in a generally horizontal direction (XY plane: along the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421) and a flat portion 5132 extending in a generally horizontal direction (XY plane: along the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421). Additionally, the current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 513 includes a curved portion 5133 continuously provided with the flat portion 5131 and the flat portion 5132, and curved downwards (to the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Furthermore, the flat portion 5131 and the flat portion 5132 are respectively provided with a through hole 51311 and a through hole 51321 that extends in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) for the bolt portion 512 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the curved portion 5133 includes a pair of inclined walls 51332 continuously connected to one side flat portion 5131 and the other side flat portion 5132, and an inner wall 51331 connecting the lower ends of the pair of inclined walls 51332. Furthermore, a protrusion 4211 is provided on the bottom wall 421 of the inner housing 42 in a downwardly projecting manner, and the inner wall 51331 of the curved portion 5133 is accommodated within the receiving space S1 defined by the protrusion 4211.

[0048] The current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 513, which is formed in this way, can be formed, for example, by punching a conductive metal plate in a manner that takes the shape of the raw material into a specified shape, and then performing plastic processing such as bending on the punched product.

[0049] On the other hand, the control busbar (third conductor) 523 has a flat portion 5231 extending in a generally horizontal direction (XY plane: direction along the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421). Moreover, a through hole 52311 is formed in the flat portion 5231, which extends in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and allows the bolt portion 522 to be inserted.

[0050] The control busbar (third conductor) 523, which forms such a structure, can be formed, for example, by punching a conductive metal plate in a manner that makes the shape of the raw material into a specified shape.

[0051] Furthermore, the energized wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 includes a wire 611 electrically connected to an external connection component and a wire crimp terminal 612 electrically connected to the wire 611. The wire 611 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 6111 and an electrically insulating covering portion (conductor covering portion) 6112 covering the core wire 6111. The energized wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is formed by at least fastening the core wire 6111 of the wire 611 to the wire crimp portion 6121 of the wire crimp terminal 612.

[0052] In addition, the wire crimp terminal 612 has a connecting portion 6122 that is continuously provided with the wire crimp portion 6121 and electrically connected to the energized busbar (first conductor) 513. The connecting portion 6122 has a through hole 61221 that extends along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and is for the bolt portion 512 to be inserted.

[0053] Furthermore, the bolt portion 512 is inserted through the insertion holes 51311 and 51321 of the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513, and also through the insertion hole 61221 of the energizing wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. Then, by tightening the nut 613 onto the bolt portion 512, the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513 and the energizing wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 are secured in contact. Thus, the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513 and the energizing wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 are electrically connected.

[0054] Similarly, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 includes a wire 621 electrically connected to an external connection component and a wire crimp terminal 622 electrically connected to the wire 621. The wire 621 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 6211 and an electrically insulating covering portion (conductor covering portion) 6212 covering the core wire 6211. The control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is formed by at least fastening the core wire 6211 of the wire 621 to the wire crimp portion 6221 of the wire crimp terminal 622.

[0055] In addition, the wire crimp terminal 622 has a connection portion 6222 that is continuously provided with the wire crimp portion 6221 and electrically connected to the control bus bar (third conductor) 523. The connection portion 6222 has a through hole 62221 that extends through in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and allows the bolt portion 522 to be inserted.

[0056] Furthermore, the bolt portion 522 is inserted through the insertion hole 52311 of the control busbar (third conductor) 523, and also through the insertion hole 62221 of the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. Then, by tightening the nut 623 onto the bolt portion 522, the control busbar (third conductor) 523 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are secured in contact. Thus, the control busbar (third conductor) 523 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are electrically connected.

[0057] Thus, the conductor 6 can be fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5 formed in the inner housing (second housing) 42 by, for example, the method shown below.

[0058] First, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a power supply busbar (first conductor) 513 and a control busbar (third conductor) 523 are mounted on the inner housing (second housing) 42.

[0059] Specifically, the bolt portion 512 is inserted from above into the insertion holes 51311 and 51321 of the energized busbar (first conductor) 513, causing the energized busbar (first conductor) 513 to move downwards. At this time, while the support piece 5212 of the conductor support portion 521 elastically deforms relative to the support rib 5211, the energized busbar (first conductor) 513 is pressed downwards until it contacts the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. Thus, the support piece 5112 returns to its original position due to elastic restoring force, and the detachment of the energized busbar (first conductor) 513 from the bolt portion 512 is prevented by the hook portion 51121 of the support piece 5112.

[0060] Similarly, the bolt portion 522 is inserted from above through the insertion hole 52311 of the control busbar (third conductor) 523, causing the control busbar (third conductor) 523 to move downwards. At this time, while the support piece 5212 of the conductor support portion 521 elastically deforms relative to the support rib 5211, the control busbar (third conductor) 523 is pressed downwards until it contacts the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. Thus, the support piece 5212 returns to its original position by elastic restoring force, and the detachment of the control busbar (third conductor) 523 from the bolt portion 522 is prevented by the hook portion 52121 of the support piece 5212.

[0061] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, a power supply wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 and a control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are mounted on an inner housing (second housing) 42, which houses a power supply busbar (first conductor) 513 and a control busbar (third conductor) 523.

[0062] Specifically, the bolt portion 512 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 61221 of the power-conducting wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61, so that the power-conducting wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is stacked on the power-conducting busbar (first conductor) 513.

[0063] Similarly, the bolt portion 522 is inserted through the through hole 62221 of the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 from above, so that the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is stacked on the control bus bar (third conductor) 523.

[0064] Furthermore, by tightening the nut 613 to the bolt portion 512, the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513 is electrically connected to the energizing wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. In addition, by tightening the nut 623 to the bolt portion 522, the control busbar (third conductor) 523 is electrically connected to the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0065] Thus, the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5 formed in the inner housing (second housing) 42.

[0066] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal block 5 and the conductor 6 constitute part of each of the multiple circuits. For reasons such as miniaturizing the electrical connection box 3, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is arranged to cross the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513. That is, when viewing the housing 41 from above (viewing the housing 41 from the first direction), the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the energizing busbar (first conductor) 513 are arranged in a crossed state.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, a separator 424 made of an electrically insulating material such as resin is positioned between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the energized busbar (first conductor) 513. This ensures an insulating distance between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the energized busbar (first conductor) 513.

[0068] Furthermore, the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the inner housing (second housing) 42 of the terminal block 5 and inserted into the space formed in the outer housing (first housing) 41. In addition, the insertion of the inner housing (second housing) 42 into the outer housing (first housing) 41 can be performed before or after the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the conductor 6 fastened (fixed) to the inner housing (second housing) 42 of the terminal block 5 inserted into the space formed in the outer housing (first housing) 41, the grounding terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. Specifically, the grounding terminal 7 is fastened to the upper surface 413a of the exposed fixing portion 413 formed between the peripheral wall 412 of the outer housing 41 and the peripheral wall 422 of the inner housing 42, that is, above (on one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0070] Specifically, the grounding terminal 7 includes a wire 71 that is grounded to an external connection terminal or the like, and a wire crimping terminal 72 that is electrically connected to the wire 71. The wire 71 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 711 and an electrically insulating covering portion (conductor covering portion) 712 that covers the core wire 711. The grounding terminal 7 is formed by at least fastening the core wire 711 of the wire 71 to the wire crimping portion 721 of the wire crimping terminal 72.

[0071] In addition, the wire crimp terminal 72 has a connecting portion 722 that is continuously provided with the wire crimp portion 721 and is electrically connected to the exposed fixing portion 413 for fastening the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142. The connecting portion 722 has a through hole 7221 that passes through in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and is through which the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142 is inserted.

[0072] On the other hand, a grounding terminal fixing threaded hole 4141 is formed in the exposed fixing part 413 with an upward opening, and the shaft part 41421 of the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142 is screwed into the grounding terminal fixing threaded hole 4141.

[0073] Furthermore, with the insertion hole 7221 of the grounding terminal 7 connected to the threaded hole 4141 for fixing the grounding terminal, the shaft portion 41421 of the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142 is inserted from above and screwed into the insertion hole 7221 and the threaded hole 4141 for fixing the grounding terminal. Thus, the grounding terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. Therefore, in this embodiment, a grounding terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an exposed fixing portion 413 is formed on the outer casing (first housing) 41, which protrudes from the inner side of the peripheral wall 412 toward the upper side of the Z-direction (vertical direction: first direction) when viewed from the upper side (one side) in the Z-direction (vertical direction: first direction). The grounding terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to this exposed fixing portion 413.

[0075] Thus, in this embodiment, a grounding terminal fixing part 414 is formed on the inner side of the outer casing (first housing) 41, and the grounding terminal 7 is fastened and fixed on the inner side of the outer casing (first housing) 41. Therefore, when the grounding terminal 7 is fastened and fixed on the inner side of the outer casing (first housing) 41, it is necessary to form an area on the inner side of the outer casing (first housing) 41 that protrudes upward, such as the exposed fixing part 413.

[0076] Furthermore, in an electrical connection box 3 configured such that an upwardly exposed area is formed inside the outer casing (first housing) 41 and the grounding terminal 7 is securely fixed in that area, it is preferable to effectively utilize the upwardly exposed area (exposed fixing part 413). That is, when the electrical connection box 3 is installed in the fixing part 2 with the internal component (grounding terminal 7) fixed to the housing (first frame 41), it is preferable to effectively utilize the part that secures the internal component (exposed fixing part 413).

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, the exposed fixing part 413, which is fixed by grounding, can be effectively utilized.

[0078] Specifically, the exposed fixing part 413 has a grounding terminal fixing part 414 for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground and a fixing part fixing part 415 for fixing the outer shell (first shell) 41 to the fixing part 2.

[0079] In this embodiment, a threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing component is provided in the exposed fixing part 413, and the shaft part 41521 of the fixing bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing component is screwed into the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing component.

[0080] Furthermore, with the insertion hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member, the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing member is inserted and screwed into the insertion hole 21 and the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member. As a result, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0081] Therefore, the exposed fixing part 413, which is necessary to fix the grounding terminal 7 to the ground, forms a fixing part fixing part 415 for fixing the outer shell (first shell) 41 to the fixing part 2.

[0082] Thus, in the electrical connection box 3 shown in this embodiment, the exposed fixing part 413, which is provided with a grounding terminal fixing part 414 for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground, also has a fixing part fixing part 415 for fixing the outer shell (first shell) 41 to the fixing part 2. Therefore, the exposed fixing part 413 provided for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground can be used effectively.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer casing (first housing) 41 is generally rectangular when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the exposed fixing portion 413 has a first exposed fixing portion 4131 formed at the corner 41a of the outer casing (first housing) 41. In this embodiment, a pair of first exposed fixing portions 4131 are formed, and a grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and a fixing component fixing portion 415 are formed in one of the first exposed fixing portions 4131. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a second exposed fixing portion 4132 not formed at the corner 41a of the outer casing (first housing) 41 is also provided, and a grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and a fixing component fixing portion 415 are also formed in the second exposed fixing portion 4132.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the first exposed fixing part 4131 is connected to the two intersecting sides of the outer shell (first housing) 41. Consequently, the connection portion 4131a between the first exposed fixing part 4131 and the outer shell (first housing) 41 becomes a line with a bend (bent portion) when viewed along the Z-direction (vertical direction: first direction). This further improves the strength of the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131). For example, in the case where the exposed fixing part is connected to only one side of the outer shell (first housing) 41 on the outside of the outer shell (first housing) 41, the connection portion is in a straight line when viewed along the Z-direction (vertical direction: first direction). Therefore, the exposed fixing part can be plastically deformed with the connection portion to the outer shell (first housing) 41 as a reference point. Therefore, when the exposed fixing part is provided as an exposed fixing part that is connected to only one side of the outer shell (first shell) 41 on the outside of the outer shell (first shell) 41, it is necessary to suppress the plastic deformation of the exposed fixing part by providing reinforcing ribs or the like.

[0085] In contrast, in this embodiment, the first exposed fixing portion 4131 is formed by connecting the two intersecting sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 to the outer shell (first housing) 41. This allows for more reliable suppression of plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) without the need for reinforcing ribs or the like. As a result, the structure is simplified, and the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) is further improved. In other words, the structure is simplified, and plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) is suppressed more reliably.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are formed such that they are located on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Specifically, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Alternatively, the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment, the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member is formed in the exposed fixing part 413 with an opening facing downward, and the shaft part 41521 of the fixing bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing member is screwed into the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member.

[0088] Furthermore, with the insertion hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member, the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 is inserted and screwed into the insertion hole 21 and the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member from below (fixing member 2 side). Thus, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. Therefore, in this embodiment, a fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). That is, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the lower surface 413b of the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0089] Thus, if the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 are positioned opposite each other relative to the exposed fixing part 413, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 can be arranged in an overlapping manner. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 can have overlapping parts 4133a that overlap each other in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Furthermore, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the head 41422 of the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142, which forms part of the grounding terminal fixing part 414, coincides with the head 41522 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152, which forms part of the fixing member fixing part 415, in the Z direction (first direction). Thus, the exposed fixing part 413 has an exposed fixing part 4133 with an overlapping portion 4133a. In this embodiment, the second exposed fixing part 4132 becomes an exposed fixing part 4133 with an overlapping portion 4133a. Furthermore, the first exposed fixing part 4131 formed at the corner 41a of the outer casing (first housing) 41 can also become an exposed fixing part 4133 with an overlapping portion 4133a.

[0090] In this way, even when the area of ​​the exposed fixing part 413 is reduced when viewed from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 can still be formed in the exposed fixing part 413. Therefore, the area of ​​the exposed fixing part 413 can be reduced, and the portion (exposed fixing part 413) in the outer casing (first housing) 41 for fixing the grounding terminal 7 as an internal component can be effectively utilized.

[0091] [Functions and Effects]

[0092] The following describes the characteristic structure of the electrical connection box and the fixing structure of the electrical connection box to the fixing member shown in the above embodiment, as well as the effects obtained therefrom.

[0093] The electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment includes: an outer shell (first shell) 41, which has a peripheral wall 412 that opens to the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction); and a grounding terminal 7, which is grounded and fixed to the outer shell (first shell) 41.

[0094] Here, an exposed fixing part 413 is formed on the outer shell (first shell) 41, which is exposed on the inner side of the peripheral wall 412 and on the upper side of the Z direction (upper and lower direction: first direction) when viewed from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (upper and lower direction: first direction).

[0095] Furthermore, the exposed fixing part 413 has a grounding terminal fixing part 414 for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground and a fixing member fixing part 415 for fixing the outer shell (first shell) 41 to the fixing member 2.

[0096] Thus, in the electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment, the exposed fixing part 413, which is provided with a grounding terminal fixing part 414 for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground, also has a fixing part fixing part 415 for fixing the outer shell (first shell) 41 to the fixing part 2.

[0097] In this way, the exposed fixing part 413 provided for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground can be effectively utilized.

[0098] Thus, if the electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment is provided, the part in the outer casing (first housing) 41 where the grounding terminal 7, which is an internal component, is fixed can be effectively utilized (exposed fixing part 413).

[0099] Alternatively, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed such that they are located on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). That is, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Alternatively, the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0100] Thus, if the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are positioned on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 can be arranged in a manner that overlaps each other. Specifically, the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 can have an overlapping portion 4133a that overlaps each other in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0101] In this way, even when the area of ​​the exposed fixing part 413 is reduced when viewed from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 can still be formed in the exposed fixing part 413. Therefore, the area of ​​the exposed fixing part 413 can be reduced, and the portion (exposed fixing part 413) in the outer casing (first housing) 41 where the grounding terminal 7, which is an internal component, is fixed can be effectively utilized.

[0102] Based on the above, if the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 are located on opposite sides of the exposed fixing part 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), that is, on different surfaces of the exposed fixing part 413 (upper surface 413a and lower surface 413b), it is possible to achieve miniaturization in the planar direction compared to the case where each fixing part is located on the same side of the exposed fixing part 413, that is, on the same surface of the exposed fixing part 413 (upper surface 413a or lower surface 413b).

[0103] Alternatively, the outer shell (first housing) 41 may be generally rectangular when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the exposed fixing part 413 may have a first exposed fixing part 4131 formed at the corner 41a of the outer shell (first housing) 41.

[0104] In this way, the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) can be connected to the two intersecting sides of the outer shell (first housing) 41. As a result, the strength of the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) can be further improved. For example, when the exposed fixing part is provided to be connected to only one side of the outer shell (first housing) 41 on the outside, the exposed fixing part may plastically deform with the connection part to the outer shell (first housing) 41 as the base point. Therefore, when the exposed fixing part is provided to be connected to only one side of the outer shell (first housing) 41 on the outside, it is necessary to provide reinforcing ribs or the like to suppress the plastic deformation of the exposed fixing part. However, if the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) is connected to the two intersecting sides of the outer shell (first housing) 41, the plastic deformation of the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) can be suppressed without providing reinforcing ribs or the like. As a result, the structure can be simplified and the strength of the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) can be further improved. That is, the structure can be simplified and the plastic deformation of the exposed fixing part 413 (first exposed fixing part 4131) can be suppressed more reliably.

[0105] Furthermore, in the electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment, located at Figure 5 The exposed fixing part 413 on the left side is located inside the outer casing (first housing) 41, but not at the corner 41a of the outer casing (first housing) 41, but rather at the center of one side (left side). That is, it is located in... Figure 5 The exposed fixing portion 413 on the left side is formed such that it is connected only to one side at the center of one side (left side), a portion that is more flexible than the corner 41a of the outer shell (first shell) 41. Therefore, for the portion located at... Figure 5 The exposed fixing part 413 on the left side cannot achieve the aforementioned function or effect obtained by connecting the exposed fixing part 413 to the two intersecting sides. However, it is also possible to place the part located on the left side... Figure 5 The exposed fixing portion 413 on the left side is formed at a corner 41a, a portion that is less flexible than the center of one side (left side) of the outer shell (first shell) 41, and is configured as a first exposed fixing portion 4131 connecting to the two intersecting sides. Furthermore, if located in... Figure 5 The exposed fixing part 413 on the left side also becomes the first exposed fixing part 4131, which can further improve the position of the fixing part 4131. Figure 5 The strength of the exposed fixing part 413 on the left side.

[0106] In addition, the electrical connection box 3 may also include an inner housing (second housing) 42 disposed inside the peripheral wall 412 and having electrical insulation, and a terminal block 5 is provided in the inner housing (second housing) 42.

[0107] In this way, based on the dual structure of the housing 40, the grounding circuit formed by the grounding terminal is protected inside the outer shell (first housing) 41, and the main circuit formed by connecting the conductor to the terminal block 5 is protected inside the inner housing (second housing) 42. Thus, if the terminal block 5, which constitutes part of the main circuit, and the conductor connected to the terminal block 5 are arranged inside the housing 40 formed in the dual structure (inner housing 42), the main circuit can be more reliably protected from external factors.

[0108] Furthermore, the fixing structure 1 for fixing the electrical connection box to the fixing component shown in the above embodiment includes the electrical connection box 3 and the fixing component 2 for fixing the electrical connection box 3.

[0109] In this way, a fixing structure 1 for fixing an electrical connection box to a fixing member can be obtained, which can effectively utilize the portion (exposed fixing part 413) in the outer shell (first shell) 41 where the grounding terminal 7, which is an internal component, is fixed.

[0110] [other]

[0111] The above describes this embodiment, but this embodiment is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the main idea of ​​this embodiment.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, a grounding terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and a fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (the other side). However, the structure of the electrical junction box 3 is not limited to this structure, and various structures can be provided. For example, the fixing member fixing portion 415 can be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the grounding terminal fixing portion 414 can be formed on the lower side (the other side).

[0113] Furthermore, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing member fixing part 415 may also be located on the same side relative to the exposed fixing part 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). That is, as shown... Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 can also be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing part 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). In this way, if the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 are located on the same surface (upper surface 413a) of the exposed fixing part 413, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 can be fastened from the same direction, thus further improving workability. It should be noted that whether the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 are located on the same surface or on different surfaces of the exposed fixing part 413 is preferably determined according to the usage of the electrical connection box 3 (the location where the electrical connection box 3 is fixed, etc.).

[0114] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the structure shown, a grounding terminal fixing threaded hole 4141 is formed in the exposed fixing part 413 with an upward opening, and the shaft part 41421 of the grounding terminal fixing bolt 4142 is screwed into the grounding terminal fixing threaded hole 4141.

[0115] Furthermore, a threaded hole 4151 for fixing a fixing component is formed in the exposed fixing part 413 in a manner that extends through in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the shaft part 41521 of the fixing bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing component is screwed into the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing component.

[0116] Specifically, with the through hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the threaded hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member, the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 is inserted and screwed into the threaded hole 4151 and the through hole 21. Furthermore, a nut 4153 is tightened at the front end of the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152. Thus, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0117] Thus, in Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the structure shown, an exposed fixing portion 413, which is necessary to fix the grounding terminal 7 to the ground, is also formed as a fixing member fixing portion 415 that fixes the outer casing (first housing) 41 to the fixing member 2. That is, in Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the structure shown, the exposed fixing part 413 provided for fixing the grounding terminal 7 to the ground can also be effectively utilized.

[0118] However, in Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this configuration, the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing component fixing part 415 are formed so that they do not overlap in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) (see reference). Figure 14Therefore, compared to the case where the grounding terminal fixing part 414 and the fixing part fixing part 415 are located on the opposite side of the exposed fixing part 413, the size will be larger, but by setting it to be larger... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The structure shown can also be made smaller than previous structures.

[0119] Alternatively, a grounding terminal fixing part 414 and a fixing part fixing part 415 may be formed on the lower side (other side) of the exposed fixing part 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0120] In addition, in the above embodiment, an outer shell (first shell) 41 that is approximately rectangular when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) is exemplified, but the shape of the outer shell (first shell) 41 can be various shapes such as circles or polygons.

[0121] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the shell, fixing parts, and other details can also be changed appropriately.

[0122] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-059419 (application date: April 2, 2024) are quoted here.

[0123] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1: Fixing structure of electrical junction box to fixed components

[0126] 2: Fixed components

[0127] 3: Electrical junction box

[0128] 41: Outer shell (first outer shell)

[0129] 41a: Corner

[0130] 412: Zhou Bi

[0131] 413: Exposed fixing part

[0132] 4131: First exposed fixing part

[0133] 414: Grounding terminal fixing part

[0134] 415: Fixing part of fixing component

[0135] 42: Inner shell (second shell)

[0136] 5: Terminal block

[0137] 7: Grounding terminal

Claims

1. An electrical connection box, characterized in that, have: A first housing having a peripheral wall that opens to one side in a first direction; The grounding terminal is fixed to the first housing. The first housing has an exposed fixing portion that protrudes from the inner side of the peripheral wall toward the first direction when viewed from one side in the first direction. The exposed fixing portion includes a grounding terminal fixing portion for fixing the grounding terminal to the ground and a fixing component fixing portion for fixing the first housing to the fixing component.

2. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grounding terminal fixing part and the fixing part fixing part are formed such that they are located on opposite sides of each other relative to the exposed fixing part in the first direction.

3. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first housing is approximately rectangular when viewed along the first direction. The exposed fixing portion has a first exposed fixing portion formed at the corner of the first housing.

4. The electrical connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a second housing disposed on the inner side of the peripheral wall and having electrical insulation. A terminal block is provided in the second housing.

5. A fixing structure for an electrical connection box to a fixed component, characterized in that, have: The electrical connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The fixing component that secures the electrical connection box.

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