Electronic component mounting structure and electrical junction box

Abstract

Electronic component mounting structure (1) comprising: an electronic component (2); a metal connector (3) into which the electronic component (2) is fitted; and a receiving element (4) in which the electronic component (2) and the connection fitting (3) are received, wherein the electronic component (2) includes a main body subsection (21) which has the shape of a cuboid, and a connection section (22) which is arranged in the main body subsection (21), the receiving element (4) includes a first receiving chamber (41) which guides and receives the main body subsection (21), and a second receiving chamber (42) which receives and holds the connecting fitting part (3), wherein the first receiving chamber (41) is formed by four sides of it being enclosed by a frame-like wall section (44) which rises upright from a base section (43), and the second receiving chamber (42) is formed outside the wall section (44) arranged in between, the connecting section (22) includes a fitting section (25) which projects downwards along the side surface of the main body sub-section (21) with a gap to a side surface and which is fitted into the connecting fitting part (3), the connecting fitting part (3) contains a spring section (35) which presses on the fitting section (25), and the pressing direction of the spring section (35) is such that it is directed towards the wall section (44), and the electronic component (2), the connection fitting (3) and the receiving element (4) are mounted together.

Description

Area

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic component mounting structure in which an electronic component, connection fittings for wires and a housing element that accommodates the electronic component and the connection fittings are mounted together, as well as an electrical junction box that includes the mounting structure. background

[0002] Generally, a vehicle, such as a passenger car, is equipped with an electronic component module in which various electronic components are mounted. Document JP 2010-221 787 A discloses the construction of an electrical junction box (distribution box) containing a relay module that controls the connection between a power supply unit and an electronic component.

[0003] Fig. Figure 19 is a longitudinal section view of a relay module according to the related technique. Fig. Figure 19 represents a structure of the relay module according to the related technology, and such a relay 90 comprises a relay body 91, which is formed in a cuboid shape, as well as a plurality of plate-like connection sections (hereinafter referred to as relay terminals) 92, which project in a straight line from a surface (lower surface) of the relay body 91. Such a relay 90 is installed or mounted in a holding or receiving element 95, which holds or receives connection fittings 94, which are connected to wires 93 to form a relay module. The relay module is mounted in an electrical junction box. Fig. Figure 19 is essentially a longitudinal section view of the relay module according to the related technique and merely shows the main relay body in a side view.

[0004] Document US 2013 / 0043971A1 relates to an assembly in which a housing and a cover enclose an electrical component and secure the electrical component in place. The electrical component has two L-shaped terminals with notches that form locking surfaces for the housing body. The housing body has locking arms that flex during installation and secure the electrical component by engaging with the locking surfaces. The cover body has protrusions that press against the electrical component during installation, as well as locking pins that engage the flexible locking arms. The locking pins occupy the space between the locking arms and the stops of the housing body, thus preventing the locking arms from moving out of position and the locking surfaces of the locking arms and terminals from disengaging.

[0005] Document DE 40 24 082 C1 relates to a test plug for a multi-fuse card, as used in motor vehicles, which allows individual testing of the circuits and the continuity of the fuses without having to disconnect fuses and / or circuits beforehand. The pluggable fuses are electrically connected to pairs of spring-loaded contacts in sockets. Depending on the required test circuit, the test plug contacts are single- or double-leaf with an insulating layer, and protection against accidental disconnection of the fuses when the test plug is removed is achieved by a captive compression spring and a piston in the test plug housing. Summary Technical Problem

[0006] At the in Fig. In the relay module 19 shown according to the related technology, a spring section 96, into which the relay terminal 92 is fitted, is formed in each terminal fitting part 94, and the relay 90 is received in the receiving element 95 by inserting and fitting the front ends of the plurality of relay terminals 92 into the spring sections 96. Accordingly, it is likely that when the relay terminals 92 are inserted into the spring sections 96, the relay 90 is tilted until the relay terminals 92 are fitted into the spring sections 96. Since the direction of tilt of the relay assembly 90 is not specifically regulated, the relay 90 can be tilted forward, backward, to the right, to the left, and obliquely. Fig. 20A and Fig. Figure 20B shows enlarged views illustrating the positional relationship between the relay terminals 92 and the terminal fittings 94 (plate sections and spring sections) in the relay module according to the related technology. For example, if the relay 90 in Fig. 19 is tilted to the left, as in Fig. Figure 20A shows the front ends of the relay terminals 92 facing the spring sections 96. When the relay terminals 92 move towards the spring sections 96 in this state, as shown in Fig. As shown in 20B, it is possible that the relay terminals 92, in a state where relay terminals deviate from a proper direction for insertion with respect to the terminal fittings 94 (downwards in the vertical direction in the drawing), may strike the spring sections 96 and damage the spring sections 96.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the circumstances listed above, and one object of the invention is to prevent damage to a spring section of a connector in an electronic component module. Solution to the problem

[0008] To fulfill the aforementioned objective, an electronic component mounting structure according to the present invention comprises an electronic component, a connector fitting into which the electronic component is fitted, and a receiving element in which the electronic component and the connector fitting are received, wherein the electronic component comprises a main body section having the shape of a cuboid and a connector section arranged in the main body section, the receiving element comprises a first receiving chamber that guides and receives the main body section, and a second receiving chamber that receives and holds the connector fitting, wherein the first receiving chamber is formed by four sides of it being enclosed by a frame-like wall section that rises vertically upwards from a base section.and the second receiving chamber is formed outside the intervening wall section, the connecting section includes a fitting section that projects downwards along the side surface of the main body subsection with a gap to a side surface and that is fitted into the connecting fitting part, the connecting fitting part includes a spring section that presses on the connecting section, and the spring section has a pressing direction directed towards the wall section, and the electronic component, the connecting fitting part, and the receiving element are mounted together.

[0009] In this setup, the main body section is inserted into the first receiving chamber before the connecting sections are fitted into the terminal sections. When the electronic component is tilted, the main body section comes into contact with the wall sections, thus allowing the tilt direction of the electronic component to be adjusted. This means that the tilt direction of the electronic component can be adjusted so that the leading ends of the connecting sections located on the tilted side are aligned with the wall sections.In the connector fittings, the plate section (against which the spring section presses) facing the spring section is located on the inside (on the side of the wall section) of the proper insertion position for the connector section, and the spring section is located on the outside (on the side opposite the wall section) of the proper insertion position for the connector section. Accordingly, the inwardly inclined front end of the connector section is directed toward the plate section and not toward the spring section. Therefore, even if the connector section moves toward the connector fitting in this state, its front end will still meet the plate section, thus preventing the connector section (connecting section) from meeting the spring section in a state where the connector section deviates from its proper insertion direction.

[0010] In this case, the setup can be such that the second receiving chamber contains an elastically deformable locking element that holds the connecting fitting and is located on the side opposite the wall section, with the connecting fitting being positioned in between.

[0011] Accordingly, since the connection fittings can be arranged to be close to the wall sections, and the spring sections of the connection fittings can be positioned outside the plate sections, it is possible to reduce the gap between the fitting section of each connection section and the side surface of the main body subsection, thereby reducing the size of the electronic component.

[0012] When constructing an electrical junction box that incorporates the aforementioned electronic component mounting structure, damage to the connection fitting in the junction box can be prevented. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage to a spring section of a connector in an electronic component module. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a relay module, in which a relay, connection fittings and a receiving element are mounted together. Fig. 2 is a top view of the in Fig. 1 relay module shown (one of two relays is not shown). Fig. 3A is a longitudinal section view of the relay module, in the direction of arrow A10 in Fig. 1 seen, and is a scheme that represents a state in which the relay is tilted when the relay device is inserted into the receiving element. Fig. 3B is a longitudinal section view of the relay module, in the direction of arrow A10 in Fig. Figure 1 shows an enlarged view illustrating the positional relationship between a relay tongue and a terminal fitting (a plate section and a spring section). Fig. 3A represents. Fig. 4A is a longitudinal section view of the relay module, in the direction of arrow A10 in Fig. 1 seen, and is a scheme that represents a state in which the relay assumes a proper position for insertion in relation to the receiving element. Fig. 4B is a sectional view of the relay module, in the direction of arrow A10 in Fig. 1 seen, and is a scheme that represents a state in which the relay has been mounted in the receiving element. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the construction of a connector fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a different setup of the connector fitting. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a first modified example. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a second modified example. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a third modified example. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a fourth modified example. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a fifth modified example. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a sixth modified example. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a seventh modified example. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to an eighth modified example. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a ninth modified example. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the construction of a relay according to a tenth modified example. Fig. Figure 18A is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a relay according to an eleventh modified example. Fig. 18B is a view showing a relay setup according to the eleventh modified example in the direction of arrow 18A in Fig. 18A is shown. Fig. Figure 19 is a longitudinal section view showing a relay module according to the related technique. Fig. Figure 20A is an enlarged view showing a positional relationship between a relay terminal and a terminal fitting (a plate section and a spring section) in the relay module according to the related technique. Fig. Figure 20B is an enlarged view showing a positional relationship between the relay terminal and the terminal fitting (a plate section and a spring section) in the relay module according to the related technique. Description of embodiments

[0014] The following describes an electronic component module comprising an electronic component mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a relay is used as an electronic component; however, the electronic component is not limited to the relay, and another electronic component with a structure similar to that of the relay described below can be used, such as a fuse or a module component integrated into a substrate.The use of the relay module according to the present invention is not subject to any specific limitations; rather, a case can be considered in which the relay module is used for devices for controlling a connection state between a power supply unit and an electrical component in a vehicle, such as a passenger car, or the like. Such a type of relay module can serve as a component of an electrical junction box, but can also be considered as a separate, independent element and provide a relay function even as an independent element.

[0015] Fig. Figures 1 to 4 represent a structure of a relay assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of a relay module 1, in which a relay 2, connection fittings 3 and a receiving element 4 are mounted together. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view (one of the two relays 2 is not shown) of the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 of the relay module shown. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows longitudinal sections through relay module 1 in the direction of arrow A10. Fig. 1 seen, whereby Fig. 3A is a scheme that represents a state in which relay 2 is inclined when the relay device is inserted into the housing element 4, and Fig. Figure 3B is an enlarged view showing a positional relationship between a terminal section (tongue) 22 of the relay device and the terminal fitting 3 (a plate section 34 and a spring section 35) in Fig. 3A represents. Fig. 4A is a scheme representing a state in which relay 2 assumes a proper insertion position with respect to receiving element 4, and Fig. 4B is a diagram representing a state in which relay 2 has been mounted in the receiving element 4. In the following description, one is shown with arrow A11 in Fig. If direction 1 is indicated as a vertical direction, direction indicated by arrow A12 is defined as a horizontal direction, and direction indicated by arrow A13 is defined as a longitudinal direction (this also applies to the other drawings next to it). Fig. 1) With regard to the vertical direction, the upward direction is in Fig. The vertical direction is defined as facing upwards (top), and the downward direction is defined as facing downwards (bottom). However, the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions may not correspond to the actual directions (e.g., the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions of a vehicle) when the relay module 1 is installed on a vehicle. Various components incorporated in a relay main body 21 are in Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B not shown.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the relay module 1 has a structure in which the relay 2, the terminal fittings 3 into which the relay 2 is fitted, and the receiving element 4, which receives the relay 2 and the terminal fittings 3, are mounted together. The relay 2 comprises a main body section (hereinafter referred to as a relay main body) 21, which has the shape of a cuboid, and terminal sections (hereinafter referred to as tongues) 22 (22a to 22d) which are arranged in the relay main body 21. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a relay module 1 containing two relays 2. However, the number of relays forming a relay module is not subject to any specific restrictions, and the relay module may contain only one relay or may contain three or more relays. If the relay module contains a variety of relays, only the same types of relays 2 may be used as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1 are shown, or it may be a different type of relay (for example, the one shown in Fig. 8 to 18 relays shown (2a to 2k) will be added.

[0017] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a setup of the relay device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 represents an example of the relay device 2 according to the present embodiment. The relay 2 has a structure in which the relay body 21 is made of a plastic or the like, and conductive metal tongues 22 are arranged in the relay body 21. The relay body 21 has surfaces facing each other in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b), surfaces facing each other in the horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as a left side surface 21c and a right side surface 21d), and surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as a front surface 21e and a rear surface 21f).In this case, the relay main body 21 is positioned such that the horizontal direction is its longitudinal direction and the left side face 21c, the right side face 21d, the front face 21e, and the rear face 21f are configured as side faces. In the present embodiment, the relay main body 21 is, for example, in the form of a cuboid, but the relay main body 21 can also be in the form of a cube.

[0018] Each tongue 22 has a rear end 24 (24a to 24d) projecting from the relay main body 21, and a fitting section 25 (25a to 25d) that fits into the corresponding terminal fitting 3. In this case, the fitting section 25 extends from the projecting tip of the lower end 24 and projects downwards from a side face of the relay main body 21 with a gap to the side face. The number of tongues 22, or their width or thickness, can be arbitrarily specified. For example, if the relay 2 contains a plurality of tongues 22, all tongues 22 can be configured to have the same width and thickness, or the tongues 22 can be configured to have different widths or thicknesses.For each tongue 22, the position or length at / around which the rear end 24 projects from the relay main body 21, the height position of the projecting tip of the pass section 25, the extent by which it projects from the lower end 24, or the like, can be arbitrarily determined and are not subject to any special restrictions. The pass section 25 extends from the projecting tip of the lower end 24 such that the projecting tip does not project from the lower surface 21b of the relay main body 21.

[0019] Relay 2 according to the present embodiment contains, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows four tongues 22 in the form of a plate, with two tongues 22a and 22b arranged on the left side surface 21c of the relay main body 21 and the other two tongues 22c and 22d arranged on the right side surface 21d. In this case, four lower ends 24a to 24d project from the same height (positions where the distances to the lower surface 21b are the same in the vertical direction) by the same length (dimension in the horizontal direction). Four fitting sections 25a to 25d extend downwards substantially at right angles from the projecting tips of the rear ends 24a to 24d, and the positions of the projecting tips of the fitting sections 25a to 25d are arranged at the same height.

[0020] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the assembly of a connector fitting according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of the construction of the connection fitting 3 according to the present embodiment. The connection fitting 3 is an interface element that is connected to a connection section 51 of a wire 5 in such a way that it electrically connects the wire 5 to the relay 2. The connection fitting 3 is formed by machining a plate of conductive metal and includes a connection section in the form of a socket into which the fitting section 25 of the tongue 22 is fitted, a pair of core clamping elements 32 with which a core wire 53 is clamped, which is exposed by removing an insulating coating 52 of the connection section 51 of the wire 5, and a pair of outer clamping elements 33 with which a front end of the insulating coating 52 of the wire 5 is clamped.

[0021] The connecting section 31 includes a flat plate section 34, which carries the fitting section 25 of the fitted tongue 22, and the spring section 35, which presses against the fitting section 25, and is configured to fit the fitting section 25, which is pressed against the plate section 34 by the spring section 35, between the plate section 34 and the spring section 35. The spring section 35 is formed in a pair of convex shapes by raising both ends of the plate section 34 longitudinally and curving their leading ends towards the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the plate section 34.Accordingly, the spring section 35 is arranged to exert a compressive force (elastic restoring force) on the fitting section 25, so that the fitting section 25 can be fitted by elastically deforming its front ends in a direction in which it is separated from the plate section 34.

[0022] The spring section 35 includes an inclined section 35a that guides the fitting section 25, and the inclined section 35a is configured such that it is inclined in the fitting direction (downward direction of the vertical direction) of the fitting section 25 from the outside inwards (from a frame section 45 to a wall section 44 in the receiving element 4, which is described below). In this embodiment, the inclined section 35a is formed by inclined the upper end face of the spring section 35 such that the spring section 35 gradually moves downwards from a position where it projects furthest away from the plate section 34 towards the plate section 34. Accordingly, the inclination section 35a can guide the fitting section 25 to a position between the plate section 34 and the spring section 35 when the fitting section 25 of the tongue 22 is fitted into the connecting section 31.

[0023] Fig. Figure 6 presents an example of the connector 3, where the connecting section 31 is designated as a fastening connecting section; however, the connector 3 is not limited to this type. For example, a connecting section 310 can be like a connector 300 according to a figure in Fig. The modified example shown in 7 is arranged such that it has an essentially tubular shape, that the interior of the tubular section 310 is provided with a plate-like spring section, and that the fitting section 25 of the tongue 22 is pressed against the inner wall of the tubular section 360 with the spring section, so that the fitting section can be fitted into the connecting section. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a different configuration of the connector fitting. In this case, the spring section of the connector fitting 300 is designed such that the pressure direction of the fitting section 25 extends towards the wall section 44 of the housing element 4. In the Fig. The connection fitting 300 shown in section 7 uses the same elements as connection fitting 3 ( Fig. 6) are identified in the drawings with the same reference numerals. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the setup in which the connection fitting 3 or 300 is connected to the connection section 51 of the wire 5, as an example, however the connection fitting 3 or 300 can be connected to a connection substrate, a connector or the like.

[0024] The receiving element 4 is a plastic housing for receiving and holding the relay 2 and the connection fittings 3. It comprises a first receiving chamber 41, which guides and receives the relay main body 21, and a second receiving chamber 42, which receives and holds the connection fittings 3. In the present embodiment, the receiving element 4 is treated as a single element independent of the electrical junction box. Accordingly, an active locking section 40, which can engage with a passive locking section (for example, a locking groove) formed in a housing of the electrical junction box, is designed to project from the receiving element 4, thus enabling the receiving element to be attached to the housing of the electrical junction box.By engaging the active locking section 40 with the passive locking section, the housing element can be locked and attached to the housing of the electrical junction box. The receiving element 4 can be designed as part of the housing of the electrical junction box and can be considered a single body that is not separate from the electrical junction box. The number of relays 2 and connection fittings 3 accommodated in the receiving element 4 is not subject to any particular limitations. In the present embodiment, the configuration is assumed in which, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1, two relays 2 are received in a receiving element 4. This means that the receiving element 4 contains two groups of relay receiving spaces, comprising a first receiving chamber 41 and two second receiving chambers 42. Since each relay 2 is provided with four tongues 22, eight connection fittings 3 are received in a receiving element 4. Because two tongues 22 are arranged on the left side face 21c and the right side face 21d of the relay main body 21, paired second receiving chambers 42 are arranged in the receiving element 4 facing each other, with the first receiving chamber 41 positioned between them, and two connection fittings 3 being received and held in each second receiving chamber 42.

[0025] The height position of the relay main body 21 in a state in which the relay 2 is mounted in the receiving element 4 is, as in Fig. 4B is shown, depending on the positions at which the fitting sections 25 of the tongues 22 are fitted into the connecting sections 31 of the connecting fitting parts 3. That is, each connecting fitting part 3 is held at height positions (the same height) in the second receiving chamber 42, at which the connecting section 31, into which the fitting section 25 of the tongue 22 is fitted, faces the side surface (the left side surface 21c and the right side surface 21d) of the relay main body 21, which is received in the first receiving chamber 41 with the wall sections 44 arranged between them.The upper end surface of the wall section 44 is arranged at a predetermined height below the upper end surface of the frame section 45 such that it does not come into contact with the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 when the fitting sections 25 of the tongues 22 are fitted into the connecting sections 31 of the connecting fitting parts 3, and a bottom section 43 of the same is arranged at a predetermined height in which it does not come into contact with the lower surface 21b of the relay main body 21.Accordingly, it is possible to satisfactorily connect the tongues 22 with the connecting fittings 3 and thus stabilize the holding force of the relay 2, since the relay 2 is held in the receiving element 4 without interfering contact with the bottom section 43 or the upper end surface of the wall section 44 in the vertical direction of the receiving element 4, with the exception of the parts in which fitting sections 25 of the tongues 22 are fitted into the connecting sections 31 of the connecting fittings 3.

[0026] Four sides of the first receiving element 41 are surrounded by a wall section that rises vertically from the floor section 43, creating a recessed space whose top is open to the outside, as shown in Fig. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate this. The wall section 44 rises upwards from the base section 43 in such a way that it surrounds the side faces (the left side face 21c, the right side face 21d, the front face 21e, and the rear face 21f) of the relay main body 21 along the side faces and guides the relay main body 21 into and receives it in the first receiving chamber 41. In this case, the first receiving chamber 41 is essentially in the shape of a cuboid that is larger than the relay main body 21, so that the relay main body 21, guided by the wall section 44, is easily received.

[0027] A locking groove 44a, which engages with a projection 23 formed on the front surface 21e, is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the upwardly rising wall section 44 is designed such that it faces the front surface 21e of the relay main body 21. Accordingly, when the relay main body 21 is received in the first receiving chamber 41, the projection 23 can engage with the locking groove 44a to lock the relay main body 21 in the first receiving chamber 41. That is, the holding force between the relay 2 and the receiving element 4 due to the interlocking of the tongues 22 and the connecting pieces 3 can be supplemented by engagement between the projection 23 and the locking groove 44a. If this supplementation is not required, the projection 23 and the locking groove 44a can be omitted. The bottom section 43 can be, as shown in Figure 1, Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is shown, with a reinforcing rib 43a that projects downwards.

[0028] The second receiving chambers 42 are arranged outside the first receiving chamber 41 with the wall section 44 positioned between them. They are surrounded by rectangular tubular frames formed by the wall section 44 and the frame section 45 of the receiving element 4, forming a cuboid shape whose top and bottom are open to the outside. The second receiving chambers 42 are provided with an elastically deformable locking element (hereinafter referred to as a lug) 46, which holds each connecting fitting 3 on the side opposite the wall section 44 (the side of the frame section 45) with the connecting fittings 3 positioned between them.

[0029] The nose 46 is made of the same plastic as the receiving element 4 and extends like a cantilever from the frame section 45 to the connecting piece 3, i.e., the spring section 35. In other words, the nose 46 forms a so-called spring mechanism and secures the connecting piece 3 to the second receiving chamber 42. By pressing and locking the lower edge of the spring section 35, a restoring force due to elastic deformation holds the connecting piece 3 in the second receiving chamber 42. Each connecting piece 3 is, as shown in Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is shown, held in such a way that the pressure direction of the spring section 35 leads towards the wall section 44.

[0030] The relay 2 is mounted in the receiving element 4 in a state in which the connecting fittings 3 are held in the second receiving chambers 42. When the relay 2 is in a suitable position for insertion (a position in which, as in Fig. 4A shows that relay 2 is not inclined and extends in the vertical direction) in relation to the receiving element 4 when fitting the tongues 22 into the connecting fittings 3, the tongues 22 can be inserted in the correct direction (in the vertical direction). Fig. 4A directed downwards) in relation to the connecting fittings 3. Accordingly, the tongues 22 move in a state in which their projecting tips are directed towards the spring sections 35 (see Fig. 20A), not to the connecting fittings 3, and meet in a state in which the tongues 22 are in the proper direction for insertion (see Fig. 20B) do not deviate from the spring sections 35. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even if the relay 2 is tilted when the relay is mounted in the receiving element 4, it is possible to prevent the protruding tips of the fitting sections 25 from deviating from the correct insertion direction and striking the spring sections 35 (which are shown in the diagram). Fig. 20B (state shown).

[0031] In this embodiment, the relay main body 21 is inserted into the first receiving chamber 41 before the fitting sections 25 are fitted into the terminal fittings 3, since each tongue 22 has a structure in which the fitting section 25 projects downwards from the side face of the relay main body 21 with a gap to the side face. Accordingly, when the relay 2 is tilted, the relay main body 21 can come into contact with the wall section 44 to regulate the tilt direction of the relay 2. That is, the tilt direction of the relay 2 is regulated such that the projecting tip of the fitting section 25 of the tongue 22, which is located on the inclined side, is directed towards the wall section 44 of the receiving element 4. For example, when the relay 2, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the fitting section 25c of the tongue 22, located on the inclined side, is inclined outwards (towards the side of the frame section 45 of the receiving element 4), and its projecting tip is directed inwards (towards the side of the wall section 44 of the receiving element 4). Since the connecting fitting parts 3 are held such that the pressing direction of the spring section 35 is towards the wall section 44, the spring section 35 can, on the other hand, be positioned outside (on the side of the frame section 45) of the proper insertion position (a gap between the plate section 34 and the spring section 35) of the fitting section 25c, and the plate section 34 can be positioned inside (on the side of the wall section 44) of the proper insertion position. Accordingly, the projecting tip of the pass section 25c, which is inclined inwards, can be described as in Fig. 3B shows that the protruding tip of the fitting section 25c is directed towards the plate section 34 and not towards the spring section 35. This ensures that even if the fitting section 25c continues to move in this state, its protruding tip will meet the plate section 34, preventing it from being damaged as shown in the figure. Fig. The condition shown in 20B affects the spring section 35. On the other hand, since the relay main body 21 is inserted into the first receiving chamber 41 and the inserted relay main body 21, as shown in Fig. 3A shows that the relay 2 is guided along wall section 44, and that the relay itself, in the inclined state, is brought into the proper position for insertion in relation to the receiving element, as shown in Fig. 4A is shown, and the tongue 22c can be oriented in the correct direction for insertion with respect to the terminal fitting 3. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the relay 2 is inclined when fitting the tongues 22 into the terminal fittings 3, it is possible to prevent the tongue 22 from coming into contact with the spring sections 35 (see Figure 4A) in a state where the tongue 22 deviates from the correct direction for insertion. Fig. 20B) and thus prevent the occurrence of damage, such as deformation, to the spring section 35.

[0032] If relay 2, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the projecting tip of the pass section 25a of the tongue 22a, located on the side opposite the inclined side, is directed towards the spring section 35 (the outside) and not towards the plate section 34 (the inside). However, since, as described above, the relay main body 21 is guided along the wall section 44 and the relay 2, as shown in Figure 3A, is inclined, the projecting tip of the pass section 25a of the tongue 22a, located on the side opposite the inclined side, is directed towards the spring section 35 (the outside) and not towards the plate section 34 (the inside). Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, when the tongue 22a is brought into a proper insertion position relative to the housing element, it is possible to orient the tongue 22a in the proper insertion direction when inserting the fitting section 25a into the connecting fitting part 3. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the tongue 22a and the tongue 22c from striking the spring section 35 in a state where the protruding tip of the fitting section 25 deviates from the proper insertion direction (see Figure 4a). Fig. 20B), and thus prevent damage to spring section 35. Even if relay 2 is connected to the one in Fig. Since the side opposite the side shown in Figure 3A is inclined, the same principle applies, except that tongues 22a and 22b move in opposite directions. This prevents the fitting sections 25a and 25c from impacting the spring sections 35, thus preventing damage to the spring sections 35. Tongues 22b and 22d move in the same way as tongues 22a and 22c when the relay 2 is mounted in the receiving element 4, and their functional effects are identical. With this embodiment, it is possible (as shown in Figure 3A) to prevent damage to the spring sections 35. Fig. (as shown in 4B) it is possible to mount the relay 2 in the receiving element 4 while preventing damage to the spring sections 35.

[0033] In the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the space between the terminal fitting 3 and the wall section 44, since the lug 46 is not arranged between the terminal fitting 3 and the wall section 44, but rather between the terminal fitting 3 and the frame section 45. Accordingly, the fitting sections 25 of the tongues 22 can be fitted into the terminal fittings 3 near the side faces of the relay main body 21, since the terminal fittings 3 can be arranged close to the wall section 44 and the spring sections 35 of the terminal fittings 3 can be positioned outside the plate sections 34 (on the side of the frame section 45). This makes it possible to shorten the length by which the rear ends 24 protrude from the side surfaces of the relay main body 21, and thus to reduce the gap between the side surfaces and the pass sections 25.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size of relay 2 and thus achieve a cost reduction due to the reduction in the size and weight of the relay module or a reduction in the amount of material. In the present embodiment, since the length by which the rear ends 24 project on both sides in the horizontal direction can be reduced, it is possible to minimize the dimension of relay 2 in the horizontal direction and thus achieve a reduction in the size of relay 2.

[0034] The construction of the relay according to the present invention is not based on the in Fig. The structure shown in Figure 5 is limited, provided that each tongue 22 is constructed such that it contains a pass section 25 which projects downwards from a side face of the relay main body 21, which has the shape of a cuboid, with a gap between it and the side face. For example, the relay can be constructed according to one of the first to eleven modified examples, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figures 8 to 18B are shown. Even when these modified examples are used, the same functional effects can be achieved as with relay 2. Fig. Figures 8 to 17 are perspective views showing the construction of relays according to the first to tenth modified examples, and Fig. 18A and Fig. Figure 18B shows perspective views illustrating the construction of a relay according to the eleventh modified example.

[0035] The construction of the relays according to the first to eleventh modified examples is described below. The basic construction of the relays according to the modified examples is the same as that of relay 2 according to the present embodiment. Accordingly, elements that are identical or similar to those of the present embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals in the drawings; their description is not repeated, and differences from relay 2 are described below.When the relay assembly is used according to the modified examples, the terminal fittings 3 and the receiving element 4 can be configured to correspond to the relay assembly (in particular the arrangement of the relay tongues) in that the first receiving chamber 41 and the second receiving chambers 42 are arranged in the receiving element 4, that is, the positions of the second receiving chambers 42 relative to the first receiving chamber 41 are fixed, and the terminal fittings 3 are held in such a way that they determine the direction in which the spring sections 35 press against the wall section 44. In each modified example, the number of tongues 22 as well as their width or thickness can be arbitrarily determined, and the positions or lengths at which, respectively,The length by which the rear ends 24 project, the height position of the projecting tips of the pass sections 25, the length by which the pass sections extend from the rear ends 24, and similar parameters can be arbitrarily defined. These settings can be the same for all tongues 22 in the modified examples or differ depending on the tongues 22.

[0036] At the in Fig. In the relay assembly shown in Figure 5, the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 protrude from a pair of side surfaces (the left side surface 21c and the right side surface 21d), which are arranged in the longitudinal (horizontal) direction of the relay main body 21. However, the rear ends 24 can be formed by only one side surface, by two adjacent side surfaces, or as in the one shown in Figure 5. Fig. The relay structure shown in sections 8 to 12 protrudes from more than these side faces.

[0037] Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates the construction of the first modified example and the second modified example, in which the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 project from only one side surface (the front surface 21e) of the relay main body 21. In the case of the relay 2a according to the one in Fig. In the first modified example shown in Figure 8, the rear ends 24 of two tongues 22 of the four tongues 22 project from a position close to the upper end on the front surface 21e, and the rear ends 24 of the other two tongues 22 project from a lower position. In the relay 2b according to the one shown in Fig. In contrast, in the second modified example shown in Figure 9, the rear ends 24 of four tongues 22 protrude at the same height from a position close to the upper end on the front surface 21e.

[0038] Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates the construction of the third modified example and the fourth modified example, in which the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 project from two adjacent side faces (the front face 21e and the right side face 21d) of the relay main body 21. In the case of the relay 2c according to the one in Fig. In the third modified example shown in Figure 10, the rear ends 24 of three tongues 22 of the four tongues 22 project from a position near the upper end on the front surface 21e, and the rear end 24 of the other tongue 22 projects from the right side surface 21d at the same height. In the relay 2d according to the one shown in Figure 10, the rear ends 24 of three tongues 22 of the four tongues 22 project from a position near the upper end on the front surface 21e, and the rear end 24 of the other tongue 22 projects from the right side surface 21d at the same height. Fig. In the fourth modified example shown in Figure 11, however, the rear ends 24 of two tongues 22 of the four tongues 22 protrude from a position near the upper end on the front surface 21c, and the rear ends 24 of the other two tongues 22 protrude at the same height from the right side surface 21d.

[0039] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates the construction of the fifth modified example, in which the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 project from three side faces (the left side face 21c, the front face 21e, and the right side face 21d) of the relay main body 21. In the relay 2e according to the fifth modified example, of the four tongues 22, one tongue projects from the left side face 21c, two tongues project from the front face 21e, and one tongue projects from the right side face 21d.

[0040] In the first to fifth modified example ( Fig. In figures 8 to 12, the fitting sections 25 of the four tongues 22 are bent downwards at substantially right angles from the projecting tips of the rear ends 24 and extend parallel to the side surfaces from which the rear ends 24 project. The fitting sections 25 extend from the rear ends 24 by the same amount, so that the positions (heights) of their projecting tips are equal in the vertical direction. The adjacent tongues 22 on the same side surface are arranged at a constant distance (which may vary).

[0041] During the construction of the in Fig. 5 and Fig. In the relays 8 to 12 shown, the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 protrude from the side faces of the relay main body; however, the rear ends 24 can be modified as in the sixth to tenth example, which are shown in Fig. Figures 13 to 17 show that the upper surface 21a of the relay main body 21 projects forward. In the sixth to tenth modified example, the rear ends 24 of four tongues 22 project forward from the upper surface 21a, are bent substantially at right angles, and extend toward the side surfaces. The fitting sections 25 of the tongues 22 are bent downwards substantially at right angles from the rear ends 24 and extend by the same amount from the rear ends 24, so that the positions (heights) of their projecting tips are the same in the vertical direction.

[0042] Regarding relay 2f according to the in Fig. In the sixth modified example shown in Figure 13, the pass sections 25 of four tongues 22 extend from the rear ends 24 in such a way that they are parallel to the front surface 21e. In the relay 2g according to the example shown in Figure 13, the following applies: Fig. In the seventh embodiment shown in Figure 14, two fitting sections extend from the rear ends 24 of the four tongues 22 such that they are parallel to the front surface 21e, and the other two fitting sections extend from the rear ends 24 such that they are parallel to the rear surface 21f. In the relay 2h according to the one shown in Fig. In the eighth embodiment shown in Figure 15, three fitting sections extend from the rear ends 24 of the four tongues 22 such that they are parallel to the front surface 21e, and the other fitting section extends from the rear end 24 such that it is parallel to the right side surface 21d. In the relay 2i according to the one shown in Fig. In the ninth embodiment shown in Figure 16, two fitting sections of the four tongues 22 extend from the rear ends 24 such that they are parallel to the front surface 21e, and the other fitting sections 25 of the remaining two tongues 22 extend from the rear ends 24 such that they are parallel to the right side surface 21d. In the relay 2j according to the one shown in Fig. In the tenth embodiment shown in Figure 17, a fitting section extends from the rear end 24 of the four tongues 22 such that it is parallel to the left side surface 21c, two fitting sections extend from the rear ends 24 such that they are parallel to the front surface 21e, and the other fitting section extends from the rear end 24 such that it is parallel to the right side surface 21d.

[0043] At the in Fig. 5 as well Fig. In the structure of the relays 2 shown in Figures 8 to 17, the rear ends 24 are completely exposed to the relay main body 21, however, the rear ends 24 may be at least partially covered with a plastic. Fig. 18A and Fig. Figure 18B represents the construction of the relay in which the rear ends 24 are completely covered with a plastic, and this construction of the relay is described below as the eleventh modified example. Fig. Figure 18A is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the relay according to the eleventh modified example. Fig. 18B is a view showing the construction of the relay according to the eleventh modified example, in the direction of arrow A18 in Fig. 18A seen, shows. With the relay 2k according to the in Fig. 18A and Fig. The eleventh modified example shown in 18B is a plate-like insulating element 26 on a surface (that of the upper surface 21a in Fig. 5 or the like) of the relay main body 21. The insulating element 26 is formed by means of molds made of insulating plastic or the like in a shape that is essentially rectangular in plan view. The insulating element 26 is designed such that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the left side surface 21c and the right side surface 21d towards the tongues 22 and encloses the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22.

[0044] The rear ends 24 are, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 18B, the insulating element 26 covers the axial direction of the wall section 44, and the fitting sections 25 are arranged to project from the lower surface of the insulating element 26. Projections 27 are formed in a stepped shape at positions where the insulating element 26 intersects the left side surface 21c and the right side surface 21d. The projections 27 come into contact with the upper end surface of the wall section 44 when the relay 2k is mounted in the receiving element 4.

[0045] In this configuration, the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 can be supported from above by the insulating element 26. Accordingly, deformation of the tongues 22 is prevented, as the load acting on them when they are fitted into the terminal fittings 3 is significantly reduced. This ensures a good electrical connection between the tongues 22 and the terminal fittings 3 and prevents a reduction in the force with which the relay 2k is held in the receiving element 4. By covering the rear ends 24 of the tongues 22 with the insulating element, a short circuit between adjacent tongues 22 is prevented.

[0046] For example, a design can be considered in which the rear ends 24 are not formed, but each tongue 22 contains only the fitting section 25 and the fitting section 25 projects directly from the lower surface of the insulating element 26. List of reference symbols 2 Electronic component (relay) 3 Connection fitting 4 Recording element 21 Main body section (relay main body) 22 Connection section (tongue) 25 Passport section 35 Spring section 41 first admission chamber 42 second admission chamber 43 Floor section 44 Wall section

Claims

[1] Electronic component assembly structure (1) comprising: an electronic component (2); a metal connector (3) into which the electronic component (2) is fitted; and a receiving element (4) in which the electronic component (2) and the connection fitting (3) are received, wherein the electronic component (2) includes a main body subsection (21) which has the shape of a cuboid, and a connection section (22) which is arranged in the main body subsection (21), the receiving element (4) includes a first receiving chamber (41) which guides and receives the main body subsection (21), and a second receiving chamber (42) which receives and holds the connecting fitting part (3), wherein the first receiving chamber (41) is formed by four sides of it being enclosed by a frame-like wall section (44) which rises upright from a base section (43), and the second receiving chamber (42) is formed outside the wall section (44) arranged in between, the connecting section (22) includes a fitting section (25) which projects downwards along the side surface of the main body sub-section (21) with a gap to a side surface and which is fitted into the connecting fitting part (3), the connecting fitting part (3) contains a spring section (35) which presses on the fitting section (25), and the pressing direction of the spring section (35) is such that it is directed towards the wall section (44), and the electronic component (2), the connection fitting (3) and the receiving element (4) are mounted together. [2] Electronic component assembly structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second receiving chamber (42) includes an elastically deformable locking element (46) which holds the connection fitting element (3) and which is arranged on the side opposite the wall section (44), wherein the connection fitting element (3) is arranged between them. [3] Electrical junction box comprising: the electronic component mounting structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

Images