Electrical connection setup

Abstract

An electrical connection assembly (1) comprises: a base unit (10) and a battery circuit busbar (42) which is removably mounted on a battery connection terminal (412) in the base unit (10). The base unit (10) further comprises: the battery connection terminal (412); a power source distribution circuit component (30) which forms part of a power source distribution circuit (3); and a housing (2) in which the power source distribution circuit component (30) and the battery connection terminal (412) are held. The battery circuit busbar (42) comprises: a standard busbar (421) without an auxiliary terminal (43); and an auxiliary terminal-equipped busbar (422) which includes the auxiliary terminal (43). The standard busbar (421) and / or the auxiliary terminal-equipped busbar (422) are optionally mounted on the battery connection terminal (412).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure. background

[0002] An electrical connection structure described in JP2018-007424A has been proposed as a conventional electrical connection structure. JP2018-007424A specifies an electrical junction box (an electrical connection structure) comprising: a base box body for accommodating a base circuit including a base circuit busbar; and an option box body for accommodating an option circuit including an option circuit busbar.

[0003] Furthermore, according to JP2018-007424A, the option box body is removably mounted on the peripheral wall of the base box body. When the option box body is mounted on the peripheral wall of the base box body, the base circuit-side joint protruding from the base circuit busbar and the option circuit-side joint protruding from the option circuit busbar are connected to each other. This makes it possible to obtain an electrical junction box (an electrical connection structure) that can be used with good versatility for various types of vehicles, each with different circuit configurations. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the option circuit busbar and the option box body need to be manufactured separately to be compatible with different vehicle specifications, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an electrical connection structure that can be compatible with various vehicle specifications and at the same time is cost-effective.

[0006] An electrical connection structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a base unit having a power source distribution circuit component that is part of a power source distribution circuit, a battery connection terminal that is electrically connected to a battery and is part of a battery circuit, and a housing in which the power source distribution circuit component and the battery connection terminal are held; and a battery circuit bus bar that is removably mounted on the battery connection terminal in the base unit and electrically connected to the battery connection terminal to form part of the battery circuit; wherein the battery circuit bus bar comprises: a normal bus bar without an auxiliary terminal; and an auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar that has the auxiliary terminal;wherein the normal busbar and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar are optionally mounted on the battery connection terminal;

[0007] According to the present invention, an electrical connection structure can be provided that can be compatible with various vehicle specifications and at the same time is cost-effective. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical connection structure according to an embodiment, the electrical connection structure being shown without an auxiliary terminal from one direction. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the electrical connection structure according to the embodiment, showing the electrical connection structure without the auxiliary terminal from another direction. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an example of the electrical connection structure according to the embodiment, wherein the electrical connection structure provided with the auxiliary terminal is shown from one direction. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the electrical connection structure according to the embodiment, wherein the electrical connection structure provided with the auxiliary terminal is shown from another direction. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a base unit according to an embodiment from one direction. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an example of the base unit according to the embodiment from another direction. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an example of the base unit according to the embodiment from one direction. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base unit according to the embodiment from another direction. Fig. 9 is a plan view of an example of a housing according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a rear view of an example of the housing according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a power source distribution circuit and an example of a battery circuit without the auxiliary terminal according to the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the power source distribution circuit and an example of the battery circuit with the auxiliary terminal according to the embodiment. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing some components inserted into an example of the casing from below, among the components of an example of the base unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a terminal block according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a front view of an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 16 is a rear view of an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a plan view of an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a rear view of an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 19 is a side view of one side of an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 20 is a side view from the other side of an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 21 is a front view of an example of a bus bar in an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 22 is a rear view of an example of the bus bar in an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing an example of a restricting wall according to the embodiment in an enlarged manner. Fig. 24 is a schematic view explaining a state in which a projection is guided into a recess when an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment is inserted into a receiving space in a state of a normal position. Fig. 25 is a schematic view explaining a state in which a projection is moved in a direction away from the recess by the restricting wall when an example of the multi-fusible link unit according to the embodiment is inserted into the accommodating space in a state of an inverted position. Fig. 26 is a schematic view of an example of an assembly method for the electrical connection structure without the auxiliary terminal. Fig. 27 is a schematic view of an example of a mounting method for the electrical connection structure with the auxiliary terminal, and is a schematic view showing a state before the bus bar with the auxiliary terminal and an auxiliary terminal cover are mounted on the base unit. Fig. 28 is a schematic view of an example of a mounting method for the electrical connection structure with the auxiliary terminal, and is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary terminal cover is mounted to the base unit. Fig. 29 is a schematic view of an example of a mounting method for the electrical connection structure with the auxiliary terminal, and is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary terminal cover is opened while the bus bar with the auxiliary terminal and the auxiliary terminal cover are mounted to the base unit. Detailed description of the invention

[0008] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] An electrical connection structure according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the dimensional relationships in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and may differ from the actual conditions.

[0010] In the embodiment described below, a multi-fusible link unit having a plurality of fusible link parts is described as an example of a power source distribution unit.

[0011] The direction in which the multi-connect fusible link unit is inserted is defined as the Z direction (top-bottom direction, or first direction), and the longitudinal direction of the housing is defined as the Y direction (width direction, or second direction). The direction of the shorter side of the housing is defined as the X direction (front-back direction, or third direction).

[0012] Furthermore, for the description of the electrical connection structure, the up-down direction of each member is defined in a state where the electrical connection structure is arranged to be held in the housing by moving the multi-fusible link from the upper side to the lower side. Furthermore, the side where the multi-fusible link unit is arranged is defined as the front side in the X direction (front-back direction or third direction), and the side where the other electrical components except the multi-fusible link unit are arranged is defined as the rear side in the X direction (front-back direction or third direction).

[0013] As in Fig. 1 to 4, an electrical connection structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 2, a power source distribution circuit component 30 held in the housing 2, and a battery circuit component 40 held in the housing 2 at a position different from that at which the power source distribution circuit component 30 is held.

[0014] The power source distribution circuit component 30 is a component that forms part of the power source distribution circuit 3 for distributing power supplied from a power source 8 to a plurality of loads 9. In this embodiment, the power source circuit component 30 includes a power source terminal block 31 having a power source stud (power source terminal) 312, which is arranged as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, is electrically connected to the power source 8 via an electric wire 81. The power source circuit component 30 also includes a power source distribution busbar 32 electrically connected to the power source stud (power source terminal) 312, and an electronic component 33 electrically connected to the power source distribution busbar 32. For example, an accessory (ACC) power source may be used as the power source 8. In addition, the load 9 to which the power is distributed includes, for example, an accessory machine such as an electric power steering (EPS) system or other electrical connection structures.

[0015] The battery circuit component 40 is a component that is electrically connected to a battery 6 and forms part of the battery circuit 4 for receiving a power source supplied from the battery 6 and for charging the battery 6. In this embodiment, the battery circuit component 40 comprises, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shows a battery circuit terminal block 41. The battery circuit terminal block 41 includes a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 electrically connected to the battery 6 via an electric wire 61, and a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 connected to a load 7 via an electric wire 71. Furthermore, the battery circuit component 40 includes a battery circuit bus bar 42 for electrically connecting the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0016] The electrical connection assembly 1 having the above-mentioned configuration is a member constituting a part of an electrical junction box such as a junction box, a relay box, or a fuse box mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, the electrical junction box may be formed by covering the upper and lower parts of the electrical connection assembly 1 with an upper cover and a lower cover (not shown). Furthermore, the electrical junction box may be formed by accommodating the electrical connection assembly 1 together with other electrical devices in the housing (not shown).

[0017] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrical connection structure 1 is configured such that it can be compatible with various vehicle specifications, such as different vehicle types and versions. In particular, the electrical connection structure 1 is used without an auxiliary terminal 43 on a vehicle in which the battery 6 is installed as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is arranged in the engine compartment, such as in a vehicle with a gasoline engine. In contrast, the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 is mounted on a vehicle in which the battery 6 is arranged as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, is arranged in a space such as a luggage compartment and not in the engine compartment, such as in an electric vehicle (e.g., a hybrid vehicle). The auxiliary terminal 43 is a component for receiving a battery charge from another vehicle.

[0018] As described above, in this embodiment, the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43 or the electrical connection structure 1 with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be selected. By selecting one of the electrical connection structures 1, compatibility with various vehicle specifications can be provided.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the electrical connection structure 1 is not provided with the auxiliary terminal 43, an alternator is connected to the load 7 side, and the battery 6 is charged by the alternator (load 7).

[0020] On the other hand, if the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with the auxiliary terminal 43, a starter motor is connected to the load 7 side, and power is supplied from the battery 6 to the starter motor (load 7). Furthermore, a clip portion of a booster cable is connected to the auxiliary terminal 43, and therefore, the battery 6 can be charged from another vehicle.

[0021] Next, a specific configuration of the electrical connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0022] The housing 2 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a wall 21 that serves as a frame for the housing 2. The housing 2 can be formed, for example, using a material with electrically insulating properties (a resin such as polypropylene).

[0023] The wall 21 comprises a peripheral wall 211 and a partition wall 212, wherein a number of spaces extending in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction) are defined by the peripheral wall 211 and the partition wall 212 (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). The power source distribution circuit components 30 and the battery circuit components 40 are housed in the spaces defined by the peripheral wall 211 and the partition wall 212.

[0024] Specifically, the housing 2 includes a power source terminal block holding portion 22, in which a receiving space 221 for receiving and holding the power source terminal block 31 is formed. In this embodiment, a holding projection 222 is formed on the wall 21 defining the receiving space 221 so as to protrude into the receiving space 221. The power source terminal block 31 is received in the receiving space 221 of the power source terminal block holding portion 22 in a state of being held by the holding projection 222. In this embodiment, the power source terminal block 31 is held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 221 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).

[0025] The housing 2 also includes a battery circuit terminal block holding part 23, in which a receiving space 231 for receiving and holding the battery circuit terminal block 41 is formed. In this embodiment, a holding projection 232 is formed on the wall 21 defining the receiving space 231 so as to protrude into the receiving space 231. The battery circuit terminal block 41 is received in the receiving space 231 of the battery circuit terminal block holding part 23 in a state of being held by the holding projection 232. In this embodiment, the battery circuit terminal block 41 is also held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 231 from the lower side (other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). In this embodiment, the battery circuit bus bar 42 is connected to the battery circuit terminal block 41 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction).first direction).

[0026] Furthermore, the housing 2 includes a fuse holding part 24 in which a receiving space 241 for receiving and holding fuses 332 and 452 as the electrical components 33 and 45 is formed. In this embodiment, the fuses 332 and 452 are held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 241 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). Furthermore, a tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411, into which a tuning fork terminal 3223 formed in the power source distribution busbar 32 and a tuning fork terminal 444 formed in a battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 are inserted, is formed at the lower part of the receiving space 241 in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).In this embodiment, the tuning fork terminals 3223 and 444 are inserted into the accommodation space 241 (tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). Furthermore, an external connection terminal insertion space 2412, into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to the other end of a wire to one end of which a load is connected, is inserted, is formed at a position facing the tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411 in the lower part of the accommodation space 241 in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). In this embodiment, an external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the receiving space 241 (external connection terminal receiving space 2412) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).

[0027] When the fuses 332 and 452 are inserted into the receiving space 241 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction), the tuning fork terminals 3223 and 444 are configured to hold the power source-side terminals 3321 and 4521 of the fuses 332 and 452. When the external connection terminal is inserted into the external connection terminal insertion space 2412 of the receiving space 241 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction), the external connection terminal (not shown) is connected to the load-side terminals 3322 and 4522 of the fuses 332 and 452. Thereby, the power source 8 and the battery 6 are electrically connected to the loads (not shown) via the fuses 332 and 452 to form a circuit (power source distribution circuit 3 or battery circuit 4) having a fuse function.

[0028] The housing 2 also includes a relay holding part 25, in which a receiving space 251 for receiving and holding the relays 331 and 451 as the electronic components 33 and 45 is formed. In this embodiment, the relays 331 and 451 are held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 251 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). Furthermore, a band-plate-shaped terminal insertion space 2511 is formed at the lower part of the receiving space 251 in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). In this strip plate-shaped terminal insertion space 2511, terminals 3212, 3222 and 3223 formed in the power source distribution busbar 32 and a strip plate-shaped terminal 443 formed in the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 are inserted.In this embodiment, the ribbon-plate-shaped terminals 3212, 3222, 3223, and 443 are inserted into the accommodation space 251 (ribbon-plate-shaped terminal insertion space 2511) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). Furthermore, an external connection terminal insertion space 2512, into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to the other end of a wire to one end of which a load is connected, is inserted, is formed at a position facing the tuning fork terminal insertion space 2511 in the lower part of the accommodation space 251 in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). In this embodiment, an external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the receiving space 251 (external connection terminal receiving space 2512) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).

[0029] When the relays 331 and 451 are inserted into the receiving space 251 from the upper side in the Z direction (one side of the first direction), the band-plate-shaped terminals 3212, 3222, 3223, and 443 and the external connection terminal are electrically connected to the relays 331 and 451. Thus, the power source 8 and the battery 6 are connected to the loads (not shown) via the relays 331 and 451 to form a circuit (power source distribution circuit 3 or battery circuit 4) with a switching function.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing 2 includes another electronic component holding part 26, in which a receiving space 261 for receiving and holding electronic components 333 and 453 other than the electronic components 33 and 45 is formed. In this embodiment, the other electronic components 333 and 453 are held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 261 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). Furthermore, a band-plate-shaped terminal receiving space 2611 is formed at the lower part of the housing space 261 in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). A strip plate-shaped terminal 3234 formed in the power source distribution busbar 32 and a strip plate-shaped terminal 445 formed in the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 are inserted into the strip plate-shaped terminal insertion space 2611.In this embodiment, the ribbon-plate-shaped terminals 3234 and 445 are inserted into the housing space 261 (ribbon-plate-shaped terminal insertion space 2611) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). Furthermore, an external connection terminal insertion space 2612, into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to the other end of a wire to one end of which a load is connected, is inserted, is formed at a position facing the tuning fork terminal insertion space 2611 in the lower part of the accommodation space 261 in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). In this embodiment, an external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the receiving space 261 (external connection terminal receiving space 2612) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).

[0031] When the other electronic components 333 and 453 are inserted into the receiving space 261 from the upper side in the Z direction (one side of the first direction), the band-plate-shaped terminals 334 and 445 and the external connection terminal are electrically connected to the other electronic components 333 and 453. Thus, the power source 8 and the battery 6 are electrically connected to the loads (not shown) via the other electronic components 333 and 453. Accordingly, a circuit (power source distribution circuit 3 or battery circuit 4) with various functions (functions provided in the other electronic components 333 and 453) can be formed.

[0032] The housing 2 also includes a power source distribution unit holding part 27, in which a receiving space 271 for receiving and holding a multi-fusible link unit (power source distribution unit) 34 as the electronic components 33 and 45 is formed. In this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the receiving space 271 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). The multi-fusible link unit 34 is a member formed by unitizing a plurality of fusible links (fuse parts) 3413. The electric wire 91 can be electrically connected via the corresponding fusible links (fuse parts) 3413 in a state where it is inserted into the receiving space 271 and held in the housing 2.The allowable current value of the fusible link parts (fuse parts) 3413 is larger than that of conventional fuses (fuses 332 and 452), so that the electric wire 91 in which a relatively large current is supplied can be connected.

[0033] In this embodiment, the power source distribution circuit component 30 includes a plurality of electric wire connecting bolts 35 to which the electric wires 91 can be connected, and the housing 2 includes a power source connecting bolt holding part 28 in which a receiving space 281 for receiving and holding the electric wire connecting bolts 35 is formed. In this embodiment, eight power source connecting bolt holding parts 28 are formed to be arranged in the Y direction (width direction or second direction), with one electric wire connecting bolt 35 being received and held in each power source connecting bolt holding part 28. Each power source connecting bolt holding part 28 is provided with a partition wall 282, the partition wall 282 ensuring the insulation distance of the electric wires 91 connected to the electric wire connecting bolts 35.

[0034] The electric wire connecting bolt 35 is held in the housing 2 by being inserted into the housing space 281 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction). Specifically, in the receiving space 281, a head receiving space 2811, in which the head 351 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 is received and held, is formed to open downward. When the head 351 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 is received and held in the head receiving space 2811 from below, a shaft 352 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 protrudes forward in the X direction (front-back direction or third direction).

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receiving space 281 is formed below the receiving space 271 in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is held in the housing 2, the load connecting part 3414 of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 281. Thus, the load connecting part 3414 is electrically connected to the shaft 352 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35.

[0036] As described above, the power source circuit component 30 includes the power source terminal block 31 having the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312, and the power source terminal block 31 includes a base 311 for holding the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312.

[0037] In particular, the base 311 has, as in Fig. 14, the base 311 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a head receiving space 3111 for receiving and holding a head 3121 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 is formed in the base 311 such that the head receiving space 3111 opens on one side in the Y direction (width direction or second direction). When the head 3121 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 is received and held in the head receiving space 3111 from the side, a shaft 3122 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). By connecting the electric wire 81 to the shaft 3122, the power source 8 is electrically connected to the power source distribution circuit component 30 via the electric wire 81.

[0038] The power source distribution circuit component 30 includes the power source distribution busbar 32, which is electrically connected to the power source stud (power source terminal) 312. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the power source distribution busbar 32 includes a first power source distribution busbar 321, a second power source distribution busbar 322, and a third power source distribution busbar 323. These power source distribution busbars can be formed, for example, from a conductive and rigid metal material. In this embodiment, each power source busbar is formed by punching a single conductive metal sheet such that the outer shape of the material is formed into a predetermined shape, and by applying appropriate plastic processing such as bending processing to the punched workpiece.

[0039] The first power source distribution busbar 321 has a connecting part 3211 connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312, and a through-hole 32111 is formed in the connecting part 3211. The first power source distribution busbar 321 is electrically connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 by inserting a shaft 3122 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 into the through-hole 32111. Furthermore, the first power source distribution busbar 321 has a band-plate-shaped terminal 3212, and the relay 331 as the electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the band-plate-shaped terminal 3212.

[0040] The second power source distribution busbar 322 has a connecting part 3221 connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312, and a through-hole 32211 is formed in the connecting part 3221. The second power source distribution busbar 322 is electrically connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 by inserting the shaft 3122 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 into the through-hole 32211. Furthermore, the second power source distribution busbar 322 has a band-plate-shaped terminal 3222, and the relay 331 as the electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the band-plate-shaped terminal 3222. Furthermore, the second power source distribution bus bar 322 has the tuning fork terminal 3223, and the fuse 332 as the electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the tuning fork terminal 3223.

[0041] Furthermore, the third power source distribution busbar 323 has a one-sided (one-side) connecting part 3231 connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312, and a through-hole is formed in the one-sided connecting part 3231. The third power source distribution busbar 323 is electrically connected to the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 by inserting the shaft 3122 of the power source bolt (power source terminal) 312 into the through-hole 32311.

[0042] Furthermore, the third power source distribution busbar 323 has a connecting part 3232 on the other side (provided on the other side) connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35, and a downwardly opening recess 32321 is formed in the connecting part 3232. The third power source distribution busbar 323 is electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35 by inserting the shaft 352 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 into the recess 32321. At this time, a power source connecting part 3411 of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 is also electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35. Thereby, the current passing through the third power source distribution busbar 323 is introduced into the fusible multi-connection unit 34 via the connecting part 3232.The current passing through the multiple fusible link unit 34 is then distributed to each electric wire connecting bolt 35 through each fusible link part 3413.

[0043] Furthermore, the third power source distribution busbar 323 has a strip-plate-shaped terminal 3233, wherein the relay 331 as the electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the strip-plate-shaped terminal 3233. Furthermore, the third power source distribution busbar 323 has the strip-plate-shaped terminal 3234, wherein the other electronic component 333 is electrically connected to the strip-plate-shaped terminal 3234.

[0044] As described above, the battery circuit component 40 includes the battery circuit terminal block 41. The battery circuit terminal block 41 includes the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, which is electrically connected to the battery 6 via the electric wire 61, and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, which is connected to the load 7 via the electric wire 71. Furthermore, the battery circuit terminal block 41 includes a base 411 for holding the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0045] In particular, the base 411 has, as in Fig. 14, the base 411 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. A first head receiving space 4111 for receiving and holding a head 4121 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is formed in the base 411 such that the first head receiving space 4111 opens on one side in the Y direction (width direction or second direction). Furthermore, a second head receiving space 4112 for receiving and holding a head 4131 of the second bolt (battery connection terminal) 413 is formed in the base 411 such that the second head receiving space 4112 opens on one side in the Y direction (width direction or second direction). When the head 4121 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is received and held in the first head receiving case 4111 from the side, a shaft 4122 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction).Accordingly, when the head 4131 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is received and held in the second head receiving space 4112 from the side, a shaft 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction). By connecting the electric wire 61 to the shaft 4122 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, the battery 6 is electrically connected to the battery circuit component 40 via the electric wire 61. And by connecting the electric wire 71 to the shaft 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, the load 7 is electrically connected to the battery circuit component 40 via the electric wire 71.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery circuit component 40 includes a battery-side power source distribution circuit for distributing the power source supplied from the battery 6. Thus, the battery circuit 4 is configured to have a power source distribution function. Under certain circumstances, the battery circuit 4 may also not have a power source distribution function.

[0047] In this embodiment, the battery circuit component 40 comprises as shown in Fig. 13 shows the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44, which is electrically connected to the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. The battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 can be formed, for example, from a conductive and rigid metal material. In this embodiment, the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 is formed by punching a single conductive metal sheet such that the outer shape of the material is formed into a predetermined shape, and by applying appropriate plastic processing such as bending processing to the punched workpiece.

[0048] The battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 has a one-sided connection part 441 connected to the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, and a through-hole 4411 is formed in the one-sided connection part 441. The battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 is electrically connected to the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 by inserting the shaft 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 into the through-hole 4411.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 includes the other-side connecting portion 442 connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35, and a downwardly opening recess 4421 is formed in the other-side connecting portion 442. The battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 is electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35 by inserting the shaft 352 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 into the recess 4421. At this time, the power source connecting portion 3411 of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 is also electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35. Thus, the current passing through the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 is introduced into the fusible multi-connection unit 34 via the other-side connecting portion 442.The current passing through the multi-fusible link unit 34 is distributed to each electric wire connecting bolt 35 via each fusible link part 3413. In this embodiment, the electric wire connecting bolt 35 to which the other-side connecting part 442 is connected is different from the electric wire connecting bolt 35 to which the other-side connecting part 3232 is connected.

[0050] Furthermore, the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 has the strip-plate-shaped terminal 443, and the relay 451 as the electronic component 45 is electrically connected to the strip-plate-shaped terminal 443. In addition, the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 has the tuning fork terminal 444, and the fuse 452 as the electronic component 45 is electrically connected to the tuning fork terminal 444. In addition, the battery-side power source distribution busbar 44 has the strip-plate-shaped terminal 445, and the other electronic component 453 is electrically connected to the strip-plate-shaped terminal 445 (see Fig. 11 to 13).

[0051] As described above, the battery circuit component 40 includes the battery circuit bus bar 42 for electrically connecting the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0052] A specific configuration of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 and a method of inserting it into the housing 2 are described below.

[0053] The multi-fusible link unit 34 is a member that is inserted into and held in the receiving space 271 opening on the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction) to be combined into one component. A plurality of fusible links (fusible link parts 3413) can be inserted into and held in the housing 2. In this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 moves relatively from the upper side of the housing 2 to the lower side, thereby being received in the receiving space 271, and inserted and held in the housing 2.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 15 to 22, the multi-fusible link unit 34 includes a bus bar 341 having the power source connecting portion 3411 and a plurality of load connecting portions 3414, and capable of distributing a power source. The multi-fusible link unit 34 also includes a plurality of fusible links 3413 disposed between the power source connecting portion 3411 and the load connecting portion 3414, and a cover 342 for supporting the bus bar 341.

[0055] In this embodiment, the busbar 341 is formed by punching a single conductive metal plate such that the outer shape of the material is formed into a predetermined shape, and applying plastic processing such as bending to the punched workpiece. The plurality of fusible link parts 3413 are formed in the busbar 341.

[0056] The power source connecting part 3411, the plurality of load connecting parts 3414, and the plurality of fusible links 3413 are simply formed by forming the busbar 341. Accordingly, it is not necessary to attach the corresponding fusible links to the busbar, thereby reducing the number of components and enabling cost reduction. Furthermore, by forming the plurality of fusible links 3413 in a plate-like busbar 341, the busbar 341 including the power source connecting part 3411, the plurality of load connecting parts 3414, and the plurality of fusible links 3413 can be obtained inexpensively. In addition, the thickness of the fusible link unit 34 can be reduced.

[0057] As in Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 22, eight connecting parts are formed in the bus bar 341, each connecting part being electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35. Thus, in this embodiment, the bus bar 341 is provided with eight load connecting parts 3414. In this embodiment, a recess 34141 is formed in each of the load connecting parts 3414, and the bus bar 341 is electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35 by inserting the shaft 352 of the electric wire connecting bolt 35 into the recess 34141.

[0058] Among the eight load connecting parts 3414, the corresponding two load connecting parts 3414 located centrally in the Y direction are electrically connected to the electric wire connecting bolt 35 to which the other-side connecting part 442 is connected, and to the electric wire connecting bolt 35 to which the other-side connecting part 3232 is connected. Accordingly, the two load connecting parts 3414 located centrally in the Y direction also function as the power source connecting parts 3411 to which current is introduced when the power source is distributed by the multi-fusible link unit 34. Thus, in this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is configured to distribute the current supplied from the battery 6 and further distribute the current supplied from the power source 8.Accordingly, the recess 34141 of the two load connecting parts 3414, which also function as the power source connecting parts 3411, corresponds to the recess 34111 of the power source connecting parts 3411.

[0059] In the busbar 341, the eight load connecting parts 3414 are connected by the connecting parts 3412, and the fusible link parts (fuse parts) 3413 are formed between the load connecting parts 3414 and the connecting parts 3412. The corresponding fusible link parts (fuse parts) 3413 have a fusible body 34131. When a current exceeding a predetermined value is supplied to the corresponding fusible link parts (fuse parts) 3413, the fusible body 34131 is melted by heat.

[0060] Furthermore, the cover 342 has a cover body 3421, and the bus bar 341 is held in the cover body 3421 in a state where the plurality of fusible link parts 3413 are covered by the cover body 3421. In this embodiment, the cover body 3421 includes a frame 34211 for holding the connecting part of the bus bar 341 and the base end side of each load connecting part 3414, and a window 34212 attached to the frame 34211 and covering the fusible link part 3413. In this embodiment, the window 34212 is formed of a transparent or translucent resin so that the fusible link part 3413 is visible in a state where the cover 342 is attached to the bus bar 341.In addition, a recess 213 is formed on the front wall 21 (peripheral wall 211) of the wall 21 defining the accommodating space 271 of the housing 2, and the fusible link part 3413 can be visible even in a state where the multi-fusible link unit 34 is accommodated in the accommodating space 271.

[0061] The cover body 3421 has an approximately thin plate shape with a thin thickness in the X direction and is formed to have an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric shape with respect to an imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction. Furthermore, the cover body 3421 has an approximately plane-symmetric shape with respect to a first imaginary plane P1, which is a plane orthogonal to the Y direction, and also an approximately plane-symmetric shape with respect to a second imaginary plane P2, which is a plane orthogonal to the X direction.

[0062] By attaching the cover body 3421 described above to the bus bar 341, a main body 340 (the parts other than the projection 3422 of the fusible link unit 34 described below) is formed. In this embodiment, the main body 340 is also formed to have an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction. Furthermore, the main body 340 has an approximately plane-symmetric shape with respect to the first imaginary plane P1, which is a plane orthogonal to the Y direction, and also an approximately plane-symmetric shape with respect to the second imaginary plane P2, which is a plane orthogonal to the X direction.The parts exposed from the cover body 3421 of the busbar 341 (the eight connecting parts 3414) therefore have an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 and an approximately plane-symmetric shape with respect to the first imaginary plane P1.

[0063] Thus, the main body 340 has an outer shape that can be inserted into the receiving space 271 even in a state in which the main body 340 is rotated 180 degrees around the Z direction (in a state reversed from a normal position to an inverted position and from an inverted position to a normal position).

[0064] In this embodiment, an allowable current value of the fusible link 3413 is set to correspond to the electric wire 91 to be connected, and the fusible link 3413 with a different allowable current value is present among the plurality of fusible links 3413. When the fusible links 3413 have the same shapes, the allowable current values ​​are also the same. And when they have different shapes, the allowable current values ​​are also different. This allows the allowable current value of each fusible link 3413 to be checked by visually observing the shapes of the fusible links 3413.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, eight load connecting parts 3414 have a twice rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction and a plane-symmetric shape with respect to the first imaginary plane P1, which is a plane orthogonal to the Y direction.

[0066] In contrast, the fusible links 3413 have an asymmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 and also an asymmetric shape with respect to the first imaginary plane P1. For this reason, the arrangement order of the allowable current values ​​of the fusible links 3413 is different between the normal position and the reverse position (see Fig. 21 and Fig. 22).

[0067] As described above, when the plurality of fusible link parts 3413, which change the arrangement order of the allowable current values ​​upon reversal, are formed in the plate-shaped busbar 341, the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be formed corresponding to two types of arrangement order. Specifically, two types of multi-fusible link units 34 can be formed, namely the multi-fusible link unit 34 located in the Fig. 21 is in a normal position, and the fusible multiple connection unit 34, which is in the state shown in Fig. 22 is in a normal position.

[0068] In this embodiment, incorrect insertion of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 into the housing 2 can be suppressed, and also the insertion work of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 into the receiving space 271 can be further improved.

[0069] Specifically, the protrusion 3422 is formed at least on the main body 340, that is, one of the main body 340 and the power source distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27. In this embodiment, a pair of protrusions 3422 are formed at both ends in the Y direction at the lower end of the cover body 3421 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction from the rear half in the X direction.

[0070] A recess 2712 is formed in at least the power source distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27, that is, the other of the main body 340 or the power source distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27 (see Fig. 23 and Fig. 24). The recess 2712 is formed in pairs to be connected to both ends of the main body receiving space 2711 in the Y direction, into which the main body 340 is inserted at the rear side in the X direction. When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 2711 in the normal position state, the projection 3422 is inserted into the recess 2712.

[0071] Furthermore, a restriction wall 214, which engages with the projection 3422 when the fusible multi-link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in the state of the reversed position, is formed in the power source distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27 (see Fig. 25). The restricting wall 214 is formed on the wall defining the receiving space 271 (peripheral wall 211), and the corresponding restricting walls 214 are formed on the front side of the openings 27121 of the pair of recesses 2712 such that they are arranged with the opening 27121 in the X direction.

[0072] A projection-side inclined surface 34221, which can guide the projection 3422 into the recess 2712 by coming into contact with the restricting wall 214 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in the normal position, is formed in the projection 3422. Specifically, the projection-side inclined surface 34221 is formed to be inclined rearward and downward toward the front side of the lower end of the projection 3422.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 includes the main body 340 formed to have an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction (top-bottom direction or first direction).

[0074] The projection 3422 is formed on the main body 340. Furthermore, the recess 2712, into which the projection 3422 can be inserted when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is normally inserted, and the restriction wall 214, which engages with the projection 3422 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reversely inserted, are formed on the power source distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27.

[0075] Thus, the main body 340 has a shape that can be inserted upside down. And the protrusion 3422 engages with the restriction wall 214 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted upside down. Therefore, the multi-fusible link unit 34 cannot be accommodated in the accommodation space 271. When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is normally inserted, the protrusion 3422 is inserted into the recess 2712 without engaging with the restriction wall 214, so that the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 271. Here, "normal insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34" means that the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in a normal state (a state of a normal position).In contrast, “reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34” means that the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in a state (a reverse position state) in which the multi-fusible link unit 34 is rotated 180 degrees about an axis in the Z direction (up-down direction or first direction) with respect to the normal position.

[0076] As described above, in the electrical connection structure 1 according to this embodiment, the main body 340 has an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction (the up-down direction or first direction), thereby avoiding the complexity of the shape of the main body 340. Therefore, the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be manufactured inexpensively and more easily.

[0077] In addition, the main body 340 has a shape that can be inserted upside down, but the protrusion 3422, the restricting wall 214, and the recess 2712 prevent the multi-fusible link unit 34 from being inserted upside down. Therefore, even if the multi-fusible link unit 34 has a shape that can be inserted upside down, the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be inserted upside down more reliably.

[0078] The plurality of fusible links 3413 may have different allowable current values. When the fusible links 3413 have different allowable current values, the arrangement order of the allowable current values ​​may be different between the state in which the multi-fusible link unit 34 is in the normal position and the state in which the multi-fusible link unit 34 is in the reverse position.

[0079] Therefore, if the main body 340 has an approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric shape and the arrangement relationship of the plurality of fusible links 3413 is asymmetrical, and the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be inserted reversely, an electric wire that does not correspond to the fusible link 3413 may be accidentally connected. For example, an electric wire with a low allowable current value may be accidentally connected to the fusible link 3413 with a high allowable current value. Therefore, if an electric wire with a low allowable current value is connected to the fusible link 3413 with a high allowable current value, the fusible link 3413 may not be melted even if an overcurrent is supplied to the electric wire, so the overcurrent may be continuously supplied to the electric wire.

[0080] However, when the electrical connection structure 1 of the present embodiment is used, even if the main body 340 has a shape that can be inserted inverted, reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be suppressed. This can prevent accidental connection of the electric wire not corresponding to the fusible link part 3413.

[0081] Furthermore, in the electrical connection structure 1 of the present embodiment, the projection-side inclined surface 34221, which can guide the projection 3422 into the recess 2712, is formed in the projection 3422. That is, the projection-side inclined surface 34221, which can guide the projection 3422 into the recess 2712 by coming into contact with the restriction wall 214 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in the normal position state, is formed in the projection 3422. Thus, the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be easily accommodated in the receiving space 271.

[0082] As described above, the electrical connection structure 1 according to this embodiment enables the multi-fusible link unit 34 to be manufactured inexpensively and more easily, and also enables the mis-insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the housing 2 to be suppressed and the insertion work to be improved.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141 inclined forward and downward in the X direction is formed on the restriction wall 214. Therefore, when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in a reversed position, the projection-side inclined surface 34221 comes into contact with the restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141, thereby allowing the projection 3422 to move in the direction away from the recess 2712.

[0084] Thus, the restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141 is formed on the restriction wall 214. When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reversely inserted, the projection 3422 moves away from the recess 2712 by bringing the projection-side inclined surface 34221 into contact with the restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141.

[0085] Therefore, because the projection 3422 engages the restriction wall 214 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted upside down, the projection 3422 can be moved away from the recess 2712 by moving the projection-side inclined surface 34221 along the restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141. By moving the projection 3422 away from the recess 2712, accidental insertion of the projection 3422 into the recess 2712 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted upside down can be more reliably suppressed. As a result, forced pushing of the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the receiving space 271 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted upside down can be prevented. Accordingly, incorrect insertion of the fusible multi-connection unit 34 into the housing 2 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in a state of an inverted position, the projection-side inclined surface 34221 and the restriction-wall-side inclined surface 2141 have surface contact with each other.

[0087] This allows the stress caused when the protrusion 3422 engages the restricting wall 214 due to reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 to be dissipated. Therefore, partial concentration of the stress caused when the protrusion 3422 engages the restricting wall 214 due to reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be suppressed. Accordingly, breakage of the protrusion 3422 and the restricting wall 214 upon reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be suppressed.

[0088] In this embodiment, a partition-side inclined surface 2121 is also formed to be inclined forward and downward on the rear wall 21 (partition wall 212) defining the receiving space 271, and the partition-side inclined surface 2121 also has a function of guiding the projection 3422 into the recess 2712.

[0089] Furthermore, the present embodiment can provide the electrical connection structure 1 that can be compatible with various vehicle specifications while being cost-effective. Thus, the electrical connection structure 1 that can handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0090] In particular, the battery circuit component 40 and not the power source distribution circuit component 30 or the battery circuit bus bar 42 is held in the housing 2, whereby the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown base unit 10 is formed.

[0091] The base unit 10 is used regardless of the presence or absence of the auxiliary connection 43. The Fig. 5 or Fig. The base unit 10 shown in Figure 6 is therefore used both in the case of an electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary connection 43 and in the case of an electrical connection structure 1 with the auxiliary connection 43. In this way, as many common components as possible can be used.

[0092] The battery circuit busbar 42 includes a normal busbar 421 without the auxiliary terminal 43 and an auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 having the auxiliary terminal 43. Therefore, when the electrical connection structure 1 includes the auxiliary terminal, the normal busbar 421 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412. And when the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with the auxiliary terminal 43, at least the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, the normal bus bar 421 and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 are selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0094] Thus, the bus bar without the auxiliary terminal 43 (the normal bus bar 421) is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, so that the electrical connection structure 1 can be obtained without the auxiliary terminal 43. Accordingly, when it is not necessary to provide the auxiliary terminal 43 in the electrical connection structure 1, the requirement to use the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43 can be met.

[0095] In contrast, the bus bar with the auxiliary terminal 43 (the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422) is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, so that the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained. In this way, the case where the auxiliary terminal 43 needs to be provided in the electrical connection structure 1 can be handled.

[0096] Thus, in the electrical connection structure described in this embodiment, the base unit 10 is used as a common component. By selectively mounting the normal bus bar 421 and / or the auxiliary terminal-equipped bus bar 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be managed.

[0097] By simply preparing several types of busbars that can be selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, the electrical connection structure 1 that can handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained.

[0098] For this reason, compared with a case where a new housing is prepared separately or the auxiliary terminal 43 is provided in the power source distribution circuit component 30, the cost of manufacturing the electrical connection structure 1 that can handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be reduced.

[0099] The configuration described in this embodiment makes it possible to provide the electrical connection structure 1 that can be compatible with various vehicle specifications and at the same time is cost-effective.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base unit 10 includes the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, which is electrically connected to the load 7 to thereby form a part of the battery circuit 4, and is held in the housing 2.

[0101] The normal bus bar 421 is a bus bar that is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0102] Specifically, the normal bus bar 421 includes a first through-hole 4211 into which the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted, and a second through-hole 4212 into which the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted. When the normal bus bar 421 is assembled, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted into the first through-hole 4211, and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted into the second through-hole 4212. Accordingly, the normal bus bar 421 is assembled to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 to electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. A frame-like locking part 4213 is formed in the normal busbar 421.And when the normal bus bar 421 is mounted on the base unit 10, the locking part 4213 is locked to a locking projection 4113 formed on the base 411.

[0103] The auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 includes an approximately rectangular plate-like normal busbar part 4221 and an auxiliary terminal part 4222 connected to the normal busbar part 4221 and serving as the auxiliary terminal 43. Here, the normal busbar part 4221 is a part that is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. In this embodiment, the normal busbar part 4221 has a first through-hole 4221 into which the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted, and a second through-hole 42212 into which the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted.When the normal bus bar part 4221 is mounted, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted into the first through hole 42211, and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted into the second through hole 42212. Thus, the normal bus bar part 4221 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 to electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. A frame-like locking part 42213 is also formed in the normal bus bar part 4221. And when the normal bus bar part 4221 is mounted on the base unit 10, the locking part 42213 is locked with the locking projection 4113 formed on the base 411.

[0104] The auxiliary terminal part 4222 is formed to protrude upward from the normal bus bar part 4221. The battery 6 can be charged from another vehicle by connecting a clip part of a booster cable to the auxiliary terminal part 4222 in a state where an auxiliary terminal cover 5 described below is opened.

[0105] In addition, the normal busbar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 is selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. Therefore, when any of the electrical connection assemblies 1 is used, only the normal busbar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 is mounted on the base unit 10.

[0106] Thus, the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained by simply mounting the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 to the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413 in the base unit 10.

[0107] Therefore, in order to provide the auxiliary terminal 43 in the electrical connection structure 1, both the normal busbar 421 and the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 need no longer be mounted to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0108] Thereby, the manufacturing process of the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be simplified, so that the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained more easily.

[0109] In this embodiment, in the state of the base unit 10, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically insulated from each other. Therefore, to obtain the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43, the normal bus bar 421 must be mounted to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 in the base unit 10. On the other hand, to obtain the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43, the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 must be mounted to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 in the base unit 10.

[0110] Thus, in this embodiment, either the normal bus bar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is mounted to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second terminal (load connection terminal) 413 to handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43.

[0111] Accordingly, the configuration described in this embodiment makes it possible to check not only the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 but also the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413 by simply checking the type of the mounted battery circuit bus bar 42.

[0112] And in this embodiment, when the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with the auxiliary terminal cover 5 which can cover the auxiliary terminal 43 in an openable and closable manner.

[0113] In this way, the unused auxiliary terminal 43 can be protected by the auxiliary terminal cover 5, and fingers, tools, or the like can be more reliably prevented from touching the auxiliary terminal 43 when the auxiliary terminal 43 is not used.

[0114] In this embodiment, the auxiliary terminal cover 5 is rotatably mounted on the housing 2. Specifically, the auxiliary terminal cover 5 is provided with a cover body 51 for covering the auxiliary terminal 43, a shaft 52 held by a bearing 215 and a shaft holding part 216 formed in the housing, and a shaft holding part 53 for holding the shaft 52. The auxiliary terminal cover 5 can be mounted between the Fig. 1 shown closed state and the one in Fig. 29 shown open state.

[0115] The opening and closing operation of the auxiliary terminal 43 performed by the auxiliary terminal cover 5 can be performed more easily. Furthermore, by attaching the auxiliary terminal cover 5 to the housing 2, loss of the auxiliary terminal cover 5 when using the auxiliary terminal 43 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0116] Fig.27 to 29 show a method for attaching the auxiliary terminal cover 5 to the housing 2 before mounting the auxiliary terminal-equipped bus bar 422 as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the auxiliary terminal cover 5 may also be attached to the housing 2 after mounting the auxiliary terminal-equipped bus bar 422 or simultaneously with the mounting of the auxiliary terminal-equipped bus bar 422. [Operation / Effect]

[0117] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the electrical connection structure described above for the embodiment and the effects obtained thereby.

[0118] (1) The electrical connection structure 1 described above in the embodiment includes the base unit 10. The base unit 10 includes the power source distribution circuit component 30, which forms part of the power source distribution circuit 3. The base unit 10 also includes the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, which is electrically connected to the battery 6 and forms part of the battery circuit 4. The base unit 10 also includes a housing 2 in which the power source distribution circuit component 30 and the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 are held.

[0119] Furthermore, the electrical connection structure 1 includes the battery circuit bus bar 42, which is removably mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal 412) provided in the base unit 10. The battery circuit bus bar 42 is a bus bar that is removably mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and electrically connected to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 to form part of the battery circuit 4.

[0120] The battery circuit busbar 42 includes the normal busbar 421 without the auxiliary terminal 43 and the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 having the auxiliary terminal 43. The normal busbar 421 and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 are selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0121] Thus, in the electrical connection structure 1 described above for the embodiment, the normal bus bar 421 and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 can be selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10.

[0122] Specifically, the bus bar without the auxiliary terminal 43 (the normal bus bar 421) is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, so that the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained. Therefore, when it is not necessary to provide the auxiliary terminal 43 in the electrical connection structure 1, the request to use the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43 can be met. In contrast, the bus bar with the auxiliary terminal 43 (the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422) is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, so that the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained. In this way, the case where the auxiliary terminal 43 can be provided in the electrical connection structure 1 can be handled.

[0123] Thus, in the electrical connection structure 1 described above for the embodiment, the base unit 10 is used as a common component. By selectively mounting the normal bus bar 421 and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be managed.

[0124] Therefore, by simply preparing several types of bus bars that can be selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided in the base unit 10, the electrical connection structure 1 that can handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained.

[0125] For this reason, compared with a case where a new housing is prepared separately or the auxiliary terminal 43 is provided in the power source distribution circuit component 30, the cost required for manufacturing the electrical connection structure 1 that can handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 can be reduced.

[0126] Thus, the configuration described above for the embodiment makes it possible to provide the electrical connection structure 1 that can be compatible with various vehicle specifications and at the same time is cost-effective.

[0127] (2) Furthermore, the base unit 10 may include the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 which is electrically connected to the load 7 to form a part of the battery circuit and is held in the housing 2.

[0128] In addition, the normal bus bar 421 may be a bus bar that is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0129] Furthermore, the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 may include the normal busbar part 4221 and the auxiliary terminal part 4222, which is connected to the normal busbar part 4221 and serves as the auxiliary terminal 43. Here, the normal busbar part 4221 is a part that is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0130] In addition, the normal busbar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar 422 can be selectively mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0131] Thus, the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained by simply mounting the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 in the base unit 10.

[0132] Thus, in order to provide the auxiliary terminal 43 in the electrical connection structure 1, it is no longer necessary to provide both the normal bus bar 421 and the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0133] Thereby, the manufacturing process of the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be simplified, so that the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43 can be obtained more easily.

[0134] In the configuration of (2), in the state of the base unit 10, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically insulated from each other. Accordingly, to obtain the electrical connection structure 1 without the auxiliary terminal 43, the normal bus bar 421 must be mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 in the base unit 10. In contrast, to obtain the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the auxiliary terminal 43, the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 must be mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 in the base unit 10.

[0135] Thus, in the configuration of (2), either the normal bus bar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 to handle the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43.

[0136] Accordingly, the configuration of (2) makes it possible to check not only the presence or absence of the auxiliary terminal 43 but also the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413 by simply checking the type of the mounted battery circuit bus bar 42.

[0137] (3) And when the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is mounted on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, the electrical connection structure 1 may be provided with the auxiliary terminal cover 5 covering the auxiliary terminal 43 in an openable and closable manner.

[0138] In this way, the unused auxiliary terminal 43 can be protected by the auxiliary terminal cover 5, and fingers, tools, or the like can be more reliably prevented from touching the auxiliary terminal 43 when the auxiliary terminal 43 is not used.

[0139] (4) The auxiliary terminal cover 5 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 2.

[0140] This makes it easier to perform the opening and closing operation of the auxiliary terminal 43 performed by the auxiliary terminal cover 5. Furthermore, by attaching the auxiliary terminal cover 5 to the housing 2, loss of the auxiliary terminal cover 5 when using the auxiliary terminal 43 can be more reliably suppressed. [More]

[0141] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0142] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the normal bus bar 421 or the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is selectively mounted, however, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and various other configurations are also possible. For example, the present invention may have a configuration in which the base unit 10 has the normal bus bar 421, and the presence or absence of an auxiliary terminal can be handled based on whether the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is mounted to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 or not. In this case, the normal bus bar 421 and the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 are mounted, whereby the auxiliary terminal-provided electrical connection structure can be obtained.The base unit 10 serves as the electrical connection terminal without the auxiliary terminal in a state where the auxiliary terminal-provided bus bar 422 is not mounted.

[0143] In addition, the auxiliary terminal cover 5 may be directly attached to the auxiliary terminal 43 instead of attaching the auxiliary terminal cover 5 to the housing 2.

[0144] The fusible multi-junction unit 34 is described as a power source distribution unit for the above-described embodiment, but the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a power integration is accommodated as a power source distribution unit in a housing.

[0145] Furthermore, a protrusion may be provided on the holding part 27, and the main body 340 may be provided with a groove into which the protrusion is inserted, and with a restricting wall that engages with the protrusion when the power source distribution unit 34 is inserted into the receiving space 271 in an inverted position. Furthermore, the main body 340 may be provided with the protrusion, the groove, and the restricting wall, and the groove, the restricting wall, and the protrusion may be provided in the corresponding parts of the holding part. Thus, a set of the protrusion, the groove, and the restricting wall may be provided in any number at any position of the main body 340 and the holding part 27.

[0146] Furthermore, a configuration may be used in which the restriction wall-side inclined surface 2141 is not formed on the restriction wall 214.

[0147] Furthermore, the projection-side inclined surface 34221 and the restriction-wall-side inclined surface 2141 can be prevented from coming into surface contact with each other when the power source distribution unit 34 is inserted into the housing space 271 in a state of an inverted position.

[0148] Furthermore, the housing 2 can be configured to hold spare components and tools.

[0149] Furthermore, the power source distribution unit 34 may be configured to have no faulty connection prevention function.

[0150] Furthermore, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the enclosure, power source distribution circuit, and other details can be changed accordingly.

[0151] The invention has been described above based on an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the parts may be replaced by any configuration having a similar function as long as it is covered by the scope of the invention defined by the claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2018-007424A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Electrical connection structure (1), comprising: a base unit (10) comprising a power source distribution circuit component (30) that is part of a power source distribution circuit (3), a battery connection terminal (412) that is electrically connected to a battery (6) and is part of a battery circuit (4), and a housing (2) in which the power source distribution circuit component (30) and the battery connection terminal (412) are held, and a battery circuit bus bar (42) removably mounted on the battery connection terminal (412) in the base unit (10) and electrically connected to the battery connection terminal (412) to form part of the battery circuit (4), wherein the battery circuit busbar (42) comprises: a normal busbar (421) without an auxiliary connection (43), and an auxiliary terminal-provided busbar (422) having the auxiliary terminal (43), wherein the normal busbar (421) and / or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar (422) are selectively mounted on the battery connection terminal (412). [2] Electrical connection structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein: the base unit (10) comprises a load connection terminal (413) which is electrically connected to a load (7) to thereby form part of the battery circuit (4) and which is held in the housing (2), the normal busbar (421) is a busbar mounted on the battery connection terminal (412) and the load connection terminal (413) and can connect the battery connection terminal (412) and the load connection terminal (413), the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar (422) comprises a normal busbar part (4221) mounted on the battery connection terminal (412) and the load connection terminal (413) and capable of electrically connecting the battery connection terminal (412) and the load connection terminal (413), and an auxiliary terminal part (4222) connected to the normal busbar part (4221) and serving as the auxiliary terminal (43), and the normal busbar (421) or the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar (422) is optionally mounted on the battery connection terminal (412) and the load connection terminal (413). [3] Electrical connection structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: when the auxiliary terminal-provided busbar (422) is mounted on the battery connection terminal (412), the electrical connection structure (1) is provided with an auxiliary terminal cover (5) which can openably and closably cover the auxiliary terminal (43). [4] Electrical connection structure (1) according to claim 3, wherein: the auxiliary terminal cover (5) is rotatably attached to the housing (2).

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