Structure for connecting flexible flat cables

Abstract

Structure for connecting flexible flat cables, including: a flexible trunk flat cable (12) comprising a trunk conductor (30, 31, 32) and an insulating trunk sheath (36) for sheathing the trunk conductor (30, 31, 32); a flexible branch flat cable (13) comprising a branch conductor (37, 38, 39) and an insulating branch sheath (43) for sheathing the branch conductor (37, 38, 39); and a conductive intermediate path (14) for electrically connecting the main conductor (30, 31, 32) and the branch conductor (37, 38, 39), wherein the main conductor (30, 31, 32) has a trunk surface (45, 48) exposed by a trunk opening section (44, 46) formed in the insulating trunk sheathing (36), and the branch conductor (37, 38, 39) has a branch surface (51, 54) exposed by a branch opening section (50, 52) formed in the insulating branch sheathing (43), the conductive intermediate path (14) has a trunk-side connection section (57A, 57B, 57C) connected to the trunk surface (45, 48) and a branch-side connection section (61A, 61B, 61C) connected to the branch surface (51, 54), wherein the conductive intermediate path (14) is mounted on an insulating plate (71, 110) which is formed from an insulating synthetic plastic, the conductive intermediate path (14) has several busbars (56, 60, 62, 63, 64), and the conductive intermediate path (14) comprises: a trunk-side busbar (56, 62) which has the trunk-side connection section (57A, 57B), a fuse (26) connected to a fuse connection terminal section (58A, 58B) formed on the trunk-side busbar (56, 62), and a branch-side busbar (60, 63) which has a fuse connection connection section (58C, 58D) connected to the fuse (26) and has the branch-side connection section (61A, 61B).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a structure for connecting a plurality of flexible flat cables. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a flexible flat cable is known that has a conductive path and a flexible insulating layer surrounding the conductive path. Because this flexible flat cable is flexible, it is suitable for use when wiring is required in a confined space, such as in a vehicle.

[0003] The technology disclosed in JP 2003-168508 A is known as a technology for connecting multiple flexible flat cables. According to this technology, a conductive path of a lower flexible flat cable and a conductive path of an upper flexible flat cable are electrically connected to each other by a connecting member by using the connecting member in a state in which multiple flexible flat cables to be connected are vertically stacked.

[0004] GB 2 205 202 A discloses a connecting device for flat cables consisting of a base assembly, a clamping assembly, and a cover assembly. The cables are prepared for installation in the connecting device by trimming the cable ends using a first template and then punching holes through the cable conductors using a second template. The holes are positioned asymmetrically about the centerline of the cable to cooperate with terminals in a cable-receiving recess in the base assembly. Conductive ring clips are inserted around the holes in the cable prior to insertion of the cable into the cable-receiving recess. These clips establish electrical contact between the cable and the terminals. The cable entry area of ​​the base member has a recessed edge, and the clamping assembly has an opposite projecting edge.The recessed and protruding edges exert a clamping force on the cable to counteract any longitudinal stress.

[0005] DE 693 04 133 T2 discloses an electrical connector assembly comprising a first insulating housing having a base, a second insulating housing having a base in which terminal receiving slots are formed, and an electrical signal wire receiving terminal for receiving in each terminal receiving slot, wherein a signal wire receiving portion of the terminal protrudes from the base of the second housing, wherein the housings are connectable to one another, wherein the terminals are received in the terminal receiving slots and signal wires extend over the wire receiving portions of the terminals, wherein the assembly further comprises a metal shield, characterized in that one of the housings has a through terminal receiving opening formed in its base, wherein the metal shield receives the base of the one housing,wherein a lead wire receiving terminal formed integrally with the shield projects through said through opening, a lead wire receiving portion of this terminal projecting upwardly from the base of one housing.,

[0006] US 2006 / 0 286 857 A1 discloses a component-to-component interconnection structure. The component-to-component interconnection structure consists of a contact-studded sheet with spiral contacts and a flexible printed circuit board having opposing electrode regions thereon. An elastic member and a fixed member are installed on the contact-studded sheet, and both ends of the fixed member are fixed to the main circuit board by fasteners. Since an elastic force is exerted by the elastic member on the spiral contact, the spiral contact appropriately contacts the electrode region, and the contact-studded sheet and the flexible printed circuit board can be securely held on the circuit board. A method for manufacturing the component-to-component interconnection structure is also provided.

[0007] DE 10 2004 022 456 A1 discloses a flat wire assembly comprising a pair of elongated flat wire segments interconnected by a thin, flexible bridging element located on the opposite longitudinal ends of the segments. Conductive traces on the underside of the bridging element are electrically connected to the respective conductor traces of the segments by solder layers which, melted under heat and pressure, each extend beyond an edge of the bridging element, thereby easily providing visible confirmation of the solder connections between the conductor traces of the bridging element and the segments. A layer of thermally activated or pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the bridging element and each segment to further mechanically connect the bridging element to each segment during solder reflow.Longitudinal projections of the bridging element substrate are connected by the adhesive layer to the respective regions of the segments that are located further away from the segment ends than the solder layer projections, thereby providing improved stress relief. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, according to the technology described above, when the connector is inserted into the conductive paths of the flexible flat cables, the conductive paths of the flexible flat cables are electrically connected to each other, and thus the area where the conductive paths of the flexible flat cables, which are arranged vertically one above the other and overlap in a plan view, becomes narrow. Thus, the region where the conductive paths can be connected to each other by inserting the connector is limited to a very narrow area, and thus there are concerns that the reliability of the electrical connection between the flexible flat cables will decrease.

[0009] The invention disclosed in this specification has been developed based on the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a structure for connecting flexible flat cables with which it is possible to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the flexible flat cables. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE TASK

[0010] The problem is solved by a structure for connecting flexible flat cables with the features of claim 1.

[0011] According to the above-described configuration, the trunk surface provided on the trunk conductor and the trunk-side terminal portion of the intermediate conductive path are connected to each other, and the branch surface provided on the branch conductor and the branch-side terminal portion of the intermediate conductive path are connected to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to electrically connect the trunk conductor of the trunk flexible flat cable and the branch conductor of the branch flexible flat cable over a wider area compared to a case where a plurality of flexible flat cables are connected to each other by inserting a connecting member into the cables. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the flexible flat cables.

[0012] Embodiments of the technology disclosed in this specification preferably have the following features.

[0013] It is a preferred development of the invention that the main conductor has a power main conductor and a signal main conductor, the branch conductor has a power branch conductor and a signal branch conductor, the power main conductor and the power branch conductor are electrically connected to one another, and that the signal main conductor and the signal branch conductor are electrically connected to one another.

[0014] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to electrically connect the power trunk conductor of the flexible trunk flat cable and the power branch conductor of the flexible branch flat cable, and to electrically connect the signal trunk conductor of the flexible trunk flat cable and the signal branch conductor of the flexible branch flat cable.

[0015] It is a preferred development of the invention that the structure for connecting flexible flat cables has the features of claim 3.

[0016] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to electrically connect the main conductor of the flexible trunk flat cable and the branch conductor of the flexible branch flat cable via the intermediate busbar.

[0017] The conductive intermediate path according to the invention comprises a trunk-side busbar having the trunk-side terminal portion, a fuse connected to a fuse link terminal portion provided on the trunk-side busbar, and a branch-side busbar having a fuse link terminal portion connected to the fuse and having the branch-side terminal portion.

[0018] According to the above-described inventive configuration, it is possible to electrically connect the main conductor of the flexible trunk flat cable and the branch conductor of the flexible branch flat cable via the fuse. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent overcurrent from flowing between the flexible trunk flat cable and the flexible branch flat cable.

[0019] According to the invention, the conductive intermediate path is mounted on an insulating plate made of an insulating synthetic plastic.

[0020] According to the above-described inventive configuration, it is possible to place the trunk-side terminal portion on the trunk surface and the branch-side terminal portion on the branch surface by placing the insulating plate on which the conductive intermediate path is mounted at predetermined positions of the trunk flexible cable and the branch flexible cable. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the operations for connecting the conductive intermediate path, the trunk surface, and the branch surface.

[0021] It is a preferred development of the invention that the conductive intermediate path has an embedded portion which is different from the trunk-side terminal portion and the branch-side terminal portion and which is embedded in an insulating synthetic plastic.

[0022] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to form a conductive intermediate path by insert molding with an insulating synthetic resin and thus reliably insulate the conductive intermediate path. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0023] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to connect flexible flat cables with narrow conductive paths. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a junction box according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the junction box. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the junction box from which a cover is detached. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the junction box taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 is recorded. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a cover shielding member to the cover. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure of a region of a trunk cable in which the power trunk conductors are arranged. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure of a region of the trunk cable in which signal trunk conductors and ground trunk conductors are arranged. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure of a region of a branch cable in which power branch conductors are arranged. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure of a region of a branch cable in which signal branch conductors and ground branch conductors are arranged. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an intermediate conductive path, an insulating plate, and a base shield member. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a shield structure of an intermediate bus bar with the insulating plate omitted. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a trunk cable and a branch cable on a housing. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the trunk cable and the branch cable are arranged and positioned in the housing. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching an intermediate conductive path to the trunk cable and the branch cable. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a cover to the case on which the trunk cable, the branch cable, and the intermediate conductive path are mounted. Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which the trunk cable, the branch cable, and the intermediate conductive path are mounted on the case. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting fuses on a fuse mounting section. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a junction box according to Embodiment 2. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the junction box. Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the junction box in a state in which a trunk partial cover and a branch partial cover are open. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a cover shielding member to the cover. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching an intermediate conductive path to the cover. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching an insulating plate to the cover. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a base shielding member to the cover. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the cover and the case on which the trunk cable and the branch cable are mounted. Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an intermediate conductive path, a cover shielding member, an insulating cover, and a base shielding member according to Embodiment 3. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the intermediate conductive path, the cover shielding member, the insulating cover, an insulating plate, and the base shielding member. Fig. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the XZ plane and defined by legs in Fig. 26 runs. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing an intermediate conductive path, a cover shielding member, an insulating cover, and a base shielding member attached to the insulating plate. Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing an intermediate conductive path, a cover shielding member, an insulating cover, an insulating plate, and a base shielding member according to Embodiment 4. Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing an intermediate conductive path, a cover shielding member, an insulating cover, an insulating plate, and a base shielding member according to Embodiment 5. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing a state in which an intermediate conductive path, a cover shielding member, an insulating cover, and a base shielding member according to Embodiment 6 are formed by insert molding. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the YZ plane and passing through an intermediate busbar according to Fig. 32 runs. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS EMBODIMENT 1

[0024] Embodiment 1 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 17. A junction box 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing 11, a trunk cable 12 (an example of a flexible trunk flat cable) attached to the housing 11, a branch cable 13 (an example of a flexible branch flat cable) attached to the housing 11, an intermediate conductive path 14 for electrically connecting the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13, and a cover 15 mounted on the housing 11. The junction box 10 is installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid car, and branches a power circuit and a signal circuit. In the following description, "top" refers to the Z direction, "front" refers to the Y direction, and "left" refers to the X direction. Note that when a plurality of identical elements are used, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of these elements, and reference numerals are not assigned to the other elements. Junction box 10

[0025] As in Fig. 1, the junction box 10 is substantially T-shaped overall when viewed from above. A rear portion of the junction box 10 has a rectangular shape elongated in the right-left direction when viewed from above. A front portion of the junction box 10 extends forward from the vicinity of the center of the rear portion of the junction box 10 in the right-left direction and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A trunk cable 12 is led out to the left and right from a left end portion and a right end portion of the junction box 10. The branch cable 13 is led out to the front from a front end portion of the junction box 10.

[0026] The junction box 10 includes an upwardly opening housing 11 and a cover 15 mounted on top of the housing 11. The cover 15 is slightly larger than the outer shape of the housing 11. The housing 11 has a bottom 11A and side walls extending upward from the side edges of the bottom 11A. The cover 15 has a top wall and side walls extending downward from the side edges of the top wall. The housing 11 and the cover 15 are assembled into a single body by elastic engagement between latch portions 16 protruding from outer surfaces of the side walls of the housing 11 and latch receiving portions 17 provided on the side walls of the cover 15. Housing 11

[0027] As in Fig. 3, on the bottom 11A of the housing 11, two positioning pins 18A are arranged side by side and are spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction at positions near the right end portion and protrude upward from the bottom 11A, and one positioning pin 18A protrudes upward at a position near its left end portion. When these positioning pins 18A are inserted into the positioning holes 19A extending through the trunk cable 12, the trunk cable 12 is positioned relative to the housing 11. The positioning holes 19A formed in the trunk cable 12 are formed at positions of the trunk cable 12 that are different from the positions of the power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductors 32, which will be described later.

[0028] Also arranged on the bottom 11A of the housing 11 are two positioning pins 18B arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction at positions close to their front end portions and projecting upward. When these positioning pins 18B are inserted into positioning holes 19B extending through the branch cable 13, the branch cable 13 is positioned relative to the housing 11. The positioning holes 19B formed in the branch cable 13 are formed at positions of the branch cable 13 that are different from the positions of the power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39, which will be described later.

[0029] The left end section of the housing 11 is not provided with a side wall and is open to the left. The right end section of the housing 11 is also not provided with a side wall and is open to the right. Accordingly, the trunk cable 12 is routed out of the housing 11 to the left and right.

[0030] The left end portion of the housing 11 is provided with a left holding portion 20A (an example of a holding portion) for holding the trunk cable 12 between the left holding portion 20A and the floor 11A. The left holding portion 20A and the housing 11 are formed as a single body via a hinge 21. A locking claw 22 is formed at a front end of the left holding portion 20A. When the locking claw 22 is locked with a locked portion 23 provided on a side of the housing 11 opposite the hinge 21, the trunk cable 12 is held between the floor 11A and the left holding portion 20A.On the side of the left holding portion 20A facing the trunk cable 12 in a state where the locking claw 22 and the locked portion 23 are locked together, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) holding ribs 24 are formed. The holding ribs 24 extend along the front-rear direction and are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction. When the holding ribs 24 come into contact with the trunk cable 12 from above, the trunk cable 12 is reliably held between them.

[0031] The right end portion of the housing 11 is provided with a right holding portion 20B (an example of a holding portion) for holding the trunk cable 12 between the right holding portion 20B and the floor 11A. The right holding portion 20B and the housing 11 are formed as a single body via a hinge 21. Since the components of the right holding portion 20B are the same as those of the left holding portion 20A, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0032] The front end portion of the housing 11 is provided with a branch holding portion 20C (an example of a holding portion) for holding the branch cable 13 between the branch holding portion 20C and the floor 11A. The branch holding portion 20C and the housing 11 are formed as a single body via a hinge 21. Since the components of the branch holding portion 20C are the same as those of the left holding portion 20A, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Cover 15

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the upper wall of the cover 15 is provided with a fuse mounting portion 25 that opens upward at a position located near the center in the right-left direction and in the front-back direction. A plurality of fuses 26 (two in this embodiment) are mounted on the fuse mounting portion 25 and arranged side by side in the right-left direction.

[0034] A lower end portion of the side wall located at the left end portion of the cover 15 is slightly recessed upward. Similarly, a lower end portion of the side wall located at the right end portion of the cover 15 is slightly recessed upward. Accordingly, a gap is formed between the lower end portions and the bottom 11A of the housing 11, into which the trunk cable 12 can be inserted.

[0035] Also, the lower end portion of the side wall, located at the front end portion of the cover 15, is slightly recessed upward. Accordingly, a gap is formed between this lower end portion and the bottom 11A of the housing 11, into which the branch cable 13 can be inserted.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, a shield member mounting portion 28 protrudes downward from the lower side of the upper wall of the cover 15, on which a cover shield member 27 (an example of a shield member) is mounted, which will be described later. The shield member mounting portion 28 is provided with a closed hole passing through its upper wall. When a screw 29 is screwed from below into the closed hole in a state where the screw 29 passes through the cover shield member 27, the cover shield member 27 is fastened to the cover 15. Main cable 12

[0037] As in Fig. 3, the trunk cable 12 includes three power trunk conductors 30 (an example of the trunk conductor) arranged in a rear portion of the trunk cable 12, two signal trunk conductors 31 (an example of the trunk conductor) arranged in a front portion of the trunk cable 12 and spaced from each other in the front-rear direction, and two ground trunk conductors 32 (an example of the trunk conductor) arranged at positions between which the signal trunk conductors 31 are sandwiched from the front and rear. The power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductors 32 are extended in the right-left direction and arranged side by side and spaced from each other in the front-rear direction. The power main conductors 30, the signal main conductors 31 and the ground main conductors 32 have a long and flat plate shape.

[0038] The power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductors 32 are formed from an electrically conductive material. An example of a main component of the power trunk conductor 30, the signal trunk conductor 31, and the ground trunk conductor 32 is copper. More specifically, the power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductor 32 are preferably heat-treated copper conductors.

[0039] Fig. 6 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the trunk cable 12 showing a region in which the power trunk conductors 30 are disposed. Fig. 7 is also an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the trunk cable 12, showing a region where the signal trunk conductors 31 and the ground trunk conductors 32 are arranged. The power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductors 32 are arranged side by side and are spaced apart from each other in a state in which these trunk conductors are embedded in a conductor-holding adhesive 33. The power trunk conductors 30, the signal trunk conductors 31, and the ground trunk conductors 32 are electrically insulated by the conductor-holding adhesive 33.

[0040] Insulating films 34 (an example of an insulating main conductor sheath) are laminated on the upper and lower sides of the conductor-holding adhesive 33. Specifically, it is possible to use a film formed of an insulating synthetic resin as the insulating film 34. For example, polyimide, polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, and the like can be suitably used as the synthetic resin.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the two power trunk conductors 30 are arranged at positions close to the rear portion of the trunk cable 12, and the power trunk conductor 30 arranged at a position close to the front portion is slightly spaced apart from the others in the front-rear direction. The positioning holes 19A are formed in this region, avoiding the power trunk conductors 30.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, a conductive shield layer 35 (an example of a trunk shield) and an insulating layer 36 (an example of an insulating trunk cover) for covering the outer surface of the shield layer 35 are placed on the upper side of the insulating film 34 laminated on the upper side of the conductor holding adhesive 33, at positions corresponding to the signal trunk conductors 31 and the ground trunk conductors 32 arranged in the front portion of the trunk cable 12. The shield layer 35 is formed of a conductive material. For example, a metal foil, a metal-deposited foil, a conductive woven fabric, or a conductive nonwoven fabric can be used as the material of the shield layer 35.Examples of components that provide conductivity in the shielding layer 35 are aluminum, copper, nickel, silver, and iron. Copper and aluminum, which are relatively inexpensive and highly conductive, are particularly suitable. Since the insulating layer 36 is similar to the insulating film 34 described above, its redundant description will be omitted. Although not shown in detail, the shielding layer 35 and the ground trunk conductors 32 are electrically connected to each other.

[0043] The shielding layer 35 and the insulating layer 36 are also placed on the lower side of the insulating film 34, which is laminated on the lower side of the conductor-holding adhesive 33. The shielding layer 35 and the insulating layer 36 are the same as those placed on the upper side of the insulating film 34, and thus, these layers are given the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Branch cable 13

[0044] As in Fig. 3, the branch cable 13 includes three power branch conductors 37 (an example of the branch conductor) arranged on the right side of the branch cable 13, two signal branch conductors 38 (an example of the branch conductor) arranged on the left side of the branch cable 13 and spaced from each other in the right-left direction, and two ground branch conductors 39 (an example of the branch conductor) arranged at positions between which the signal branch conductors 38 are sandwiched from the right and left. The power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch electrical paths are extended in the right-left direction, arranged side by side, and spaced from each other in the front-back direction. The power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38 and the ground branch conductors 39 have a long and flat plate shape.

[0045] The power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39 are formed from an electrically conductive material. An example of the main component of the power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39 is copper. More specifically, the power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39 are preferably heat-treated copper conductors.

[0046] Fig. 8 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the branch cable 13, showing a region in which the power branch conductors 37 are arranged. Fig. 9 is also an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the branch cable 13, showing a region where the signal branch conductors 38 and the ground branch conductors 39 are arranged. The power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in a state in which these branch conductors are embedded in the conductor-holding adhesive 40. The power branch conductors 37, the signal branch conductors 38, and the ground branch conductors 39 are electrically insulated by the conductor-holding adhesive 40.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the two power branch conductors 37 are arranged at positions close to a right end portion of the branch cable 13, and the power branch conductor 37 arranged at a position close to its left end portion is slightly spaced apart from the others in the right-left direction. The positioning holes 19B are formed in this region, avoiding the power branch conductors 37.

[0048] Insulating films 41 (an example of an insulating branch sheath) are laminated to the upper and lower surfaces of the conductor-holding adhesive 40. Specifically, it is possible to use a film formed of an insulating synthetic resin as the insulating film 41. For example, polyimide, polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, and the like can be suitably used as the synthetic resin.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 9, a conductive shield layer 42 (an example of a branch shield) and an insulating layer 43 (an example of an insulating branch jacket) for covering the outer surface of the shield layer 42 are placed on the upper side of the insulating film 41 laminated on the upper side of the conductor holding adhesive 40, at positions corresponding to the signal branch conductors 38 and the ground branch conductors 39 arranged in the front portion of the branch cable 13. The shield layer 42 is formed of a conductive material. For example, a metal foil, a metal-deposited foil, a conductive woven fabric, or a conductive nonwoven fabric can be used as the material for the shield layer 42.Examples of components that provide conductivity in the shielding layer 42 include aluminum, copper, nickel, silver, and iron. Copper and aluminum, which are relatively inexpensive and highly conductive, are particularly suitable. Since the insulating layer 43 on the shielding tape is similar to the insulating film 41 described above, its redundant description will be omitted. Although not shown in detail, the shielding layer 42 and the ground branch conductors 39 are electrically connected to each other.

[0050] The shielding layer 42 and the insulating layer 43 are also placed on the lower side of the insulating film 41, which is laminated on the lower side of the conductor-holding adhesive 40. The shielding layer 42 and the insulating layer 43 are the same as those placed on the upper side of the insulating film 41, and thus, these layers are given the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Structure for connecting a trunk cable 12 and a branch cable 13

[0051] Next, a structure for connecting the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 will be described (an example of a structure for connecting flexible flat cables). As shown in Fig. 3, on the bottom 11A of the casing 11, the trunk cable 12 extends in the right-left direction at a position located slightly forward of the front end portion of the branch cable 13 extending in the front-rear direction. The upper side of the trunk cable 12 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) power trunk opening portions 44, from which the power trunk conductors 30 are exposed by removing the insulating film 34 at positions located slightly to the left of the left side edge of the branch cable 13, that is, at positions close to its rear portion. The power trunk opening portions 44 have a rectangular shape elongated in their right-left direction. The power trunk opening portions 44 are arranged side by side and spaced from each other in the front-rear direction.The power trunk conductors 30 exposed from the power trunk opening sections 44 can be regarded as power trunk surfaces 45.

[0052] The upper side of the branch cable 12 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) signal trunk opening portions 46, from which the signal trunk conductors 31 are exposed due to the removal of the insulating film 34, the shield layer 35, and the insulating layer 36, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) ground trunk opening portions 47, from which the ground trunk conductors 32 are exposed at positions located slightly to the left of the left side edge of the branch cable 13, that is, at positions close to its front end. The signal trunk opening portions 46 and the ground trunk opening portions 47 have a rectangular shape elongated in the right-left direction, and are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction.The signal trunk conductors 31, which are exposed from the signal trunk opening sections 46, can be regarded as signal trunk surfaces 48. The ground trunk conductors 32, which are exposed from the ground trunk opening sections 47, can also be regarded as ground trunk surfaces 49.

[0053] The power trunk opening sections 44, the signal trunk opening sections 46 and the ground trunk opening sections 47 are formed by a known method such as punching, drilling or laser processing.

[0054] The upper side of the branch cable 13 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) power branch opening portions 50, from which the power branch conductors 37 are exposed by removing the insulating film 34 at positions located slightly behind their front end portions. The power branch opening portions 50 have a rectangular shape elongated in the front-rear direction. The power branch opening portions 50 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction. The power branch conductors 37 exposed from the power branch opening portions 50 can be regarded as power branch surfaces.

[0055] The upper side of the branch cable 13 is provided, at positions located to the left of the power branch opening portions 50, with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of signal branch opening portions 52 from which the signal branch conductors 38 are exposed due to the removal of the insulating film 41, the shield layer 42, and the insulating layer 43, and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of ground branch opening portions 53 from which the ground branch conductors 39 are exposed. The signal branch opening portions 52 and the ground branch opening portions 53 have a rectangular shape elongated in the front-rear direction, are arranged side by side, and are spaced apart from each other in the right-left direction. The signal branch conductors 38 exposed from the signal branch opening sections 52 can be regarded as signal branch surfaces 54.The ground branch conductors 39, which are exposed from the ground branch opening sections 53, can also be regarded as ground branch surfaces 55.

[0056] The power branch opening sections 50, the signal branch opening sections 52, and the ground branch opening sections 53 can be formed by a method similar to the method for the power trunk opening sections 44, the signal trunk opening sections 46, and the ground trunk opening sections 47.

[0057] As in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 11, among the power trunk surfaces 45 formed on the trunk cable 12, the first and second power trunk surfaces 45 are connected from the rear side to two trunk-side terminal portions 57A formed at a left end portion of a first trunk-side bus bar 56 (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14). The trunk-side terminal portions 57A are bent downward in a crank-like manner. The power trunk surfaces 45 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57A are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The first trunk-side bus bar 56 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from above.A front end portion of the first trunk-side bus bar 56 is bent upward and branches into two portions, and can be regarded as a fuse connection terminal portion 58A that can hold a conductor portion 59 of a fuse 26 (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14) which will be described later.

[0058] Of the power branching surfaces 51 formed on the branch cable 13, the first and second power branching surfaces 51 from the right are connected to two branch-side terminal portions 61A formed at a front end portion of the first branch-side busbar 60 (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14). The branch-side terminal portions 61A are bent downward in a crank shape. The power branching surfaces 51 and the branch-side terminal portions 61A are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The first branch-side busbar 60 is bent in a crank shape when viewed from the side.A front end portion of the first branch-side bus bar 60 is bent upward and branches into two portions, and can be regarded as a fuse connection terminal portion 58C capable of holding a conductor portion 59 of a fuse 26, which will be described later.

[0059] When the conductor portion 59 of the fuse 26 is held by the fuse connection terminal portion 58A of the first trunk-side bus bar 56 and is held by the fuse connection terminal portion 58C of the first branch-side bus bar 60, the first trunk-side bus bar 56 and the first branch-side bus bar 60 are electrically connected to each other via the fuse 26.

[0060] Of the power trunk surfaces 45 formed on the trunk cable 12, the third power trunk surface 45 is connected from the rear side to the trunk-side terminal portion 57B (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14) formed at the left end portion of the second trunk-side bus bar 62. The trunk-side terminal portion 57B is bent downward in a crank shape. The power trunk surface 45 and the trunk-side terminal portion 57B are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The second trunk-side bus bar 62 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from above.A front end portion of the second branch-side bus bar 62 is bent upward and branches into two portions, and can be regarded as a fuse connection terminal portion 58B capable of holding a conductor portion 59 of a fuse 26, which will be described later.

[0061] Of the power branching surfaces 51 formed on the branch cable 13, the third power branching surface 51 from the right is connected to a branch-side terminal portion 61B formed at a front end portion of the second branch-side bus bar 63 (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14). The branch-side terminal portion 61B is bent downward in a crank shape. The power branching surface 51 and the branch-side terminal portion 61B are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The second branch-side bus bar 63 is bent in a crank shape when viewed from the side.A front end portion of the second branch-side bus bar 63 can be regarded as a fuse connection terminal portion 58D bent upward and branched into two portions, which is capable of holding a conductor portion 59 of a fuse 26, which will be described later.

[0062] The fuse connection terminal portions 58A, 58B, 58C and 58D are arranged within the fuse mounting portion 25 provided on the cover 15 in a state in which the cover 15 and the housing 11 are assembled into a single body.

[0063] When the conductor portions 59 of the fuse 26 are held by the fuse connection terminal portion 58B of the second trunk-side bus bar 62 and by the fuse connection terminal portion 58D of the second branch-side bus bar 63, the second trunk-side bus bar 62 and the second branch-side bus bar 63 are electrically connected to each other via the fuse 26.

[0064] The signal trunk surfaces 48 formed on the trunk cable 12 are electrically connected to the signal branch surfaces 54 (an example of the intermediate conductive path 14) formed on the branch cable 13 via the intermediate bus bars 64. Accordingly, the signal trunk conductors 31 of the trunk cable 12 and the signal branch conductors 38 of the branch cable 13 are electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the two signal trunk conductors 48 provided on the trunk cable 12 and the two signal branch conductors 54 provided on the branch cable 13 are each connected to each other by the two intermediate bus bars 64.

[0065] Each intermediate busbar 64 has a trunk-side terminal portion 57C connected to the signal trunk surface 48 and a branch-side terminal portion 61C connected to the signal branch surface 54. In this embodiment, the two intermediate busbars 64 are spaced apart from each other. The intermediate busbars 64 are bent into an L-shape when viewed from above. The branch-side terminal portions 57C and the branch-side terminal portions 61C are bent downward in a crank-like manner.

[0066] The signal trunk surfaces 48 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57C are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The signal branch surfaces 54 and the branch-side terminal portions 61C are also electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding.

[0067] The two trunk grounding surfaces 49 formed on the trunk cable 12 are respectively connected to two trunk-side grounding terminal portions 66 formed at the left end portion of a base shield member 65 (an example of the shield member). The trunk-side grounding terminal portions 66 are bent downward in a crank-like manner. The trunk grounding surfaces 49 and the trunk-side grounding terminal portions 66 are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding. The base shield member 65 has a base plate portion 67 having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. The above-described trunk-side grounding terminal portions 66 are bent downward from the base plate portion 67 in a crank-like manner.The base plate portion 67 has a shield-side first slot 68 bent into an L-shape when viewed from above, and a shield-side second slot 69 extending in the front-rear direction at a position located on the left side of the shield-side first slot 68 when viewed from above.

[0068] The two ground branch surfaces 55 formed on the branch cable 13 are respectively connected to the two branch-side ground terminal portions 70 formed at the front end portion of the base shield member 65. The branch-side ground terminal portions 70 are bent downward in a crank-like manner from the base plate portion 67. The ground branch surfaces 55 and the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 are electrically connected to each other using a known method such as soldering, brazing, resistance welding, or laser welding.

[0069] The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are arranged on an upper side of the insulating plate 71, which is formed of an insulating synthetic resin. The upper side of the insulating plate 71 is provided with a plurality of upwardly projecting rows of ribs 72. The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are electrically insulated from each other by these intervening ribs 72.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the lower side of the insulating plate 71 is provided with a plurality of legs 73 projecting downward. Due to these legs 73, the insulating plate 71 is spaced apart from the bottom 11A of the housing 11 in a state in which the insulating plate 71 is placed on the bottom 11A of the housing 11.

[0071] The base shield member 65 is arranged on the lower side of the insulating plate 71. The base plate portion 67 of the base shield member 65 is arranged, as viewed from above, at a position where the two intermediate busbars 64 overlap the insulating plate 71. The insulating plate 71 is provided with an insulating plate-side first slot 74 and an insulating plate-side second slot 75, respectively, at positions corresponding to a shield-side first slot 68 and a shield-side second slot 69 of the base shield member 65 when the base shield member 65 is arranged on the insulating plate 71.

[0072] The insulating plate 71, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 and the base shield member 65 are fixed by a known method such as bonding or heat welding.

[0073] The cover shielding member 27 (an example of the shielding member) bolted to the cover 15 is disposed above the insulating plate 71. The cover shielding member 27 has a top wall 76, and a first side wall 77 and a second side wall 78 extending downward from the side edges of the top wall 76. The first side wall 77 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from above. The first side wall 77 has a shape corresponding to the above-described shield-side first slot 68 and the insulating plate-side first slot 74, and the lower end portion of the first side wall 77 is inserted into the shield-side first slot 68 and the insulating plate-side first slot 74 from above and extends downward through the insulating plate 71.

[0074] The second side wall 78 extends in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above. The second side wall 78 has a shape corresponding to the above-described shield-side second slot 69 and the insulating plate-side second slot 75, and the lower end portion of the second side wall 78 is inserted from above into the shield-side second slot 69 and the insulating plate-side second slot 75 and extends downward through the insulating plate 71.

[0075] The base shield member 65 is disposed below the intermediate bus bars 64 via the insulating plate 71, and the cover shield member 27 is disposed above and on the sides of the intermediate bus bars 64 in a state in which the cover 15 is mounted on the housing 11. Accordingly, the exchange bus bars 64 are enclosed by the base shield member 65 and the cover shield member 27. In this embodiment, the base shield member 65 and the cover shield member 27 are not electrically connected to each other.

[0076] The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, the intermediate busbars 64, the base shield member 65, and the cover shield member 27 have predetermined shapes obtained by pressing a metal plate. The metal plate can be selected from metals such as copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys as needed. A plating layer can also be formed on the surfaces of the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, the intermediate busbars 64, the base shield members 65, and the cover shield members 27. Metal forming a plating layer can be selected from metals such as tin and nickel as needed. Example of a manufacturing process in this embodiment

[0077] Next, an example of a process for manufacturing the junction box 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Note that the process for manufacturing the junction box 10 is not limited to the following description.

[0078] The housing 11 and the cover 15 are formed by injection molding with a synthetic resin. The insulating plate 71 is also formed by injection molding with a synthetic resin.

[0079] The power trunk opening sections 44, the signal trunk opening sections 46 and the ground trunk opening sections 47 are formed in the upper surface of the trunk cable 12 and expose the power trunk surfaces 45, the signal trunk surfaces 48 and the ground trunk surfaces 49, respectively.

[0080] The power branch opening sections 50, the signal branch opening sections 52 and the ground branch opening sections 53 are formed in the upper surface of the branch cable 13 and expose the power branch surfaces 51, the signal branch surfaces 54 and the ground branch surfaces 55, respectively.

[0081] As in Fig. 12, the left holding portion 20A, the right holding portion 20B and the branch holding portion 20C provided in the housing 11 are folded upward by rotating the hinges 21.

[0082] As in Fig. 12, the trunk cable 12 is placed on the rear portion of the housing 11. At this time, the positioning pins 18A of the housing 11 are inserted into the positioning holes 19A of the trunk cable 12. Accordingly, the trunk cable 12 is placed on the housing 11 in a state where the trunk cable 12 is positioned relative to the housing 11.

[0083] The branch cable 13 is placed on a front portion of the housing 11. At this time, the positioning pins 18B of the housing 11 are inserted into the positioning holes 19B of the branch cable 13. Accordingly, the branch cable 13 is placed on the housing 11 in a state in which the branch cable 13 is positioned relative to the housing 11.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the left holding portion 20A and the right holding portion 20B are moved toward the bottom 11A of the housing 11 by rotating them about the hinges 21. The locking claws 22 of the left holding portion 20A and the right holding portion 20B and the locked portions 23 of the housing 11 are elastically engaged with each other. Accordingly, the trunk cable 12 is held between the left holding portion 20A and the right holding portion 20B and the bottom 11A of the housing 11.

[0085] The branch holding portion 20C is moved toward the bottom 11A of the housing 11 by rotating the branch holding portion 20C about the hinge 21. The locking claws 22 of the branch holding portion 20C and the locked portions 23 of the housing 11 are elastically engaged with each other. Accordingly, the branch cable 13 is held between the branch holding portion 20C and the bottom 11A of the housing 11.

[0086] Solder paste is applied to the upper surfaces of the power stem pads 45, the signal stem pads 48, the ground stem pads 49, the power branch pads 51, the signal branch pads 54, and the ground branch pads 55 using a known method such as screen printing.

[0087] The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, the intermediate busbars 64, the base shield member 65, and the cover shield member 27 are formed by pressing a metal plate.

[0088] The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are arranged on the upper side of the insulating plate 71, and the base shield member 65 is arranged on the lower side of the insulating plate 71, and these are fixed on the insulating plate 71 by heat welding.

[0089] As in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, an assembly in which the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, the intermediate busbars 64, and the base shield member 65 are fixed to the insulating plate 71 is placed on the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 placed on the casing 11. This operation can be performed by an operator or a machine such as an assembly machine.

[0090] Lower end portions of the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B of the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62 are placed on the power trunk surfaces 45, lower end portions of the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate busbars 64 are placed on the signal trunk surfaces 48, and lower end portions of the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 of the base shield member 65 are placed on the ground trunk surfaces 49.

[0091] Also, lower end portions of the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B of the first branch busbar and the second branch busbar are placed on the power branch surfaces 51, lower end portions of the branch-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64 are placed on the signal branch surfaces 54, and lower end portions of the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 of the base shield member 65 are placed on the ground branch surfaces 55.

[0092] The power stem pads 45 are soldered to the lower end portions of the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B of the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62, the signal stem pads 48 are soldered to the lower end portions of the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate busbars 64, and the ground stem pads 49 are soldered to the lower end portions of the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 of the base shield member.

[0093] Also, the power branch pads 51 are soldered to the lower end portions of the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B of the first branch busbar and the second branch busbar, the signal branch pads 54 are soldered to the lower end portions of the branch-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64, and the ground branch pads 55 are soldered to the lower end portions of the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 of the base shield member 65.

[0094] Soldering can be performed by an operator using a soldering iron or by well-known reflow soldering, with any method being selected as required.

[0095] As in Fig. 5, the cover shielding element 27 is screwed to the lower side of the upper plate of the cover 15 by the screw 29.

[0096] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 15, the cover 15 is mounted on the housing 11 from above. The housing 11 and the cover 15 are assembled into a single body by elastic engagement between the locking portions 16 provided on the side walls of the housing 11 and the locking receiving portions 17 provided on the side walls of the cover 15.

[0097] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, the two fuses 26 are mounted on the fuse mounting portion 25 provided on the cover 15 from above. When the conductors of the fuses 26 are held by fuse connection terminal portions 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D, one fuse 26 is electrically connected to the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the first branch-side busbar 60, and the other fuse 26 is electrically connected to the second trunk-side busbar 62 and the second branch-side busbar 63. Accordingly, the junction box 10 according to this embodiment is complete (see Fig. 1). The junction box 10 can be arranged in any orientation in a vehicle. Effects of this embodiment

[0098] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described below. A structure for connecting the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 according to this embodiment includes the trunk cable 12, the branch cable 13, and the intermediate conductive path 14. The trunk cable 12 includes power trunk conductors 30, signal trunk conductors 31, insulating films 34 for covering the power trunk conductors 30, and insulating films 34 and insulating layers 36 for covering the signal trunk conductors 31. The branch cable 13 includes power branch conductors 37, signal branch conductors 38, insulating films 41 for covering the power branch conductors 37, insulating films 41, and insulating layers 43 for covering the signal trunk conductors 38.

[0099] The signal trunk conductors 30 and the power branch conductors 37 are electrically connected to each other by the first trunk-side busbar 56, the fuse 26, and the first branch-side busbar 60, and are electrically connected to each other by the second trunk-side busbar 62, the fuse 26, and the second branch-side busbar 63. The signal trunk conductors 31 and the signal branch conductors 38 are electrically connected to each other by the intermediate busbars 64.

[0100] The power trunk conductors 30 have the power trunk surfaces 45 exposed from the power trunk opening portion 44 provided in the insulating film 34, and the power branch conductors 37 have the power branch surfaces 51 exposed from a power branch opening portion 50 provided in the insulating film 41. The first trunk-side bus bar 56 has the trunk-side terminal portions 57A connected to the power trunk surfaces 45, and the second trunk-side bus bar 62 has the trunk-side terminal portion 57B. The first branch-side bus bar 60 has the branch-side terminal portions 61A connected to the power branch surface 51, and the second branch-side bus bar has the branch-side terminal portion 61B connected to the power branch surface 51.

[0101] The signal trunk conductors 31 have the signal trunk surfaces 48 exposed from the signal trunk opening portion 46 provided in the insulating film 34, the shielding layer 35, and the insulating layer 36. The signal branch conductors 38 have the signal branch surfaces 54 exposed from the signal branch opening portion 52 provided in the insulating film 34, the shielding layer 35, and the insulating layer 36. The intermediate busbars 64 have the trunk-side terminal portions 57C connected to the signal trunk surface 48 and the branch-side terminal portion 61C connected to the signal branch surface 54.

[0102] According to the configuration described above, the power trunk surfaces and the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B provided on the power branch conductors 30 are connected to each other, and the power branch surfaces 51 and the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B provided on the power branch conductors 37 are connected to each other. Also, the signal trunk surfaces 48 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57C provided on the signal trunk conductors 31 are connected to each other, and the signal branch surfaces 54 and the branch-side terminal portions 61C provided on the signal branch conductors 38 are connected to each other.Accordingly, compared with a case where multiple flexible flat cables are connected by inserting a connecting element into the conductors, it is possible to electrically connect the power trunk conductors 30 of the trunk cable 12 and the power branch conductors 37 of the branch cable 13 over a wider area, and it is also possible to electrically connect the signal trunk conductors 31 of the trunk cable 12 and the signal branch conductors 38 of the branch cable 13. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13.

[0103] In this embodiment, the signal trunk conductors 31 of the trunk cable 12 and the signal branch conductors 38 of the branch cable 13 can be electrically connected to each other by the intermediate busbars 64.

[0104] In this embodiment, the power trunk conductors 30 of the trunk cable 12 and the power branch conductors 37 of the branch cable 13 can be electrically connected to each other via the fuse 26 by the first trunk-side bus bar 56 having the trunk-side terminal portions 57A, the fuse 26 connected to the fuse connection terminal portion 58A provided on the first trunk-side bus bar 56, and the first branch-side bus bar 60 having the fuse connection terminal portion 58C connected to the fuse 26 and the branch-side terminal portions 61A.Also, the power trunk conductors 30 of the trunk cable 12 and the power branch conductors 37 of the branch cable 13 can be electrically connected to each other via the fuse 26 by the second trunk-side bus bar 62 having the trunk-side terminal portion 57B, the fuse 26 connected to the fuse connection terminal portion 58B provided on the second trunk-side bus bar 62, and the second branch-side bus bar 63 having the fuse connection terminal portion 58D connected to the fuse 26 and the branch-side terminal portion 61B.

[0105] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing between the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are mounted on the insulating plate 71 formed of an insulating synthetic resin.

[0107] According to the configuration described above, when the insulating plate 71 on which the first trunk-side bus bar 56, the first branch-side bus bar 60, the second trunk-side bus bar 62, the second branch-side bus bar 63, and the intermediate bus bars 64 are mounted is placed at a predetermined position of the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13, the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B can be placed on the power trunk surfaces 45 and the signal trunk surfaces 48, and the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B can be placed on the power branch surfaces 51 and the signal branch surfaces 54.As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the operations for connecting the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62 to the power trunk surfaces 45 and the operations for connecting the first branch-side busbar 60 and the second branch-side busbar 63 to the power trunk surfaces 51. It is also possible to improve the efficiency of the operations for connecting the intermediate busbars 64, the signal trunk surfaces 48, and the signal branch surfaces 54.

[0108] The structure for connecting the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 according to this embodiment includes: the trunk cable 12, which has the signal trunk conductors 31; the ground trunk conductors 32; the shielding layer 35, which is electrically connected to the ground trunk conductors 32 and encloses the signal trunk conductors 31 so that the signal trunk conductors 31 are electromagnetically shielded; and the insulating layer 36 for covering the signal trunk conductors 31, the ground trunk conductors 32, and the shielding layer 35, and the branch cable 13, which includes the signal branch conductors 38; the ground branch conductors 39; the shielding layer 42, which is electrically connected to the ground branch conductors 39 and encloses the signal branch conductors 38, so that the signal branch conductors 38 are electromagnetically shielded; and the insulating layer 43 for covering the signal branch conductors 38, the ground branch conductors 39 and the shielding layer 42, the intermediate busbars 64, which have the trunk-side connection sections 57C connected to the signal trunk conductors 31 and the branch-side connection sections 61C connected to the signal branch conductors 38, and the base shielding member 65 and the cover shielding member 27 for enclosing the intermediate busbars 64 so that the intermediate busbars 64 are electromagnetically shielded.

[0109] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to electromagnetically shield the intermediate busbars 64 by the base shielding member 65 and the cover shielding member 27. Accordingly, the signal trunk conductors 31 of the trunk cable 12 and the signal branch conductors 38 of the branch cable 13 are electrically connected to each other in a state in which these conductors are electromagnetically shielded.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the base shielding member 65 also includes the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 connected to the ground trunk conductors 32 and the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 connected to the ground branch conductors 39. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the shielding performance for the intermediate busbars 64.

[0111] According to this embodiment, it is also possible to shield the intermediate busbars 64 by connecting the base shielding member 65 to the ground trunk conductors 32 and the ground branch conductors 39 and by disposing the intermediate busbars 64 between the base shielding member 65 and the cover shielding member 27.

[0112] The junction box 10 according to this embodiment includes the casing 11, the trunk cable 12 fixed to the casing 11, the branch cable 13 fixed to the casing 11 in a state in which the branch cable 13 is electrically connected to the trunk cable 12, and the cover 15 mounted on the casing 11 and covering the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13.

[0113] The branch cable 12 has the power branch conductors 30 and the insulating foils 34 which cover the power trunk conductors 30, and the branch cable 13 has the current branch conductors 37 and the insulating foils 41 which cover the power branch conductors 37. The conductive intermediate path 14 (the first trunk-side busbar 56, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the fuses 26, the first branch-side busbar 60, and the second branch-side busbar 63) is electrically connected to the power trunk surfaces 45 in the power trunk conductors 30, which are exposed from the power trunk opening portions 44 provided in the insulating films 34, and the power branch surfaces 51 in the power branch conductors 37, which are exposed from the power branch opening portions 50 provided in the insulating films 41.

[0114] Also, the trunk cable 12 includes the signal trunk conductors 31 and the insulating films 34 and the insulating layers 36 covering the signal trunk conductors 31, and the branch cable 13 includes the signal branch conductors 38 and the insulating films 41 and the insulating layers 43 covering the signal branch conductors 38. The conductive intermediate path 14 (the intermediate busbars 64) is electrically connected to the signal trunk surfaces 48 in the signal trunk conductors 31, which are exposed from the signal trunk opening portions 46 provided in the insulating films 34 and the insulating layers 36, and the signal branch surfaces 54 in the signal branch conductors 38, which are exposed from the signal branch opening portions 52 provided in the insulating films 41 and the insulating layers 43.

[0115] According to the configuration described above, when the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 are fixed to the housing 11, it is possible to electrically connect the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 through the intermediate conductive path 14 in a state in which the trunk cable 12 is positioned relative to the branch cable 13.

[0116] According to this embodiment, the housing 11 has the bottom 11A and the left holding portion 20A and the right holding portion 20B for holding the trunk cable 12 between the housing 11 and the bottom 11A, and the branch holding portion 20C for holding the branch cable 13 between the housing 11 and the bottom 11A.

[0117] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to fix the trunk cable 12 to the housing 11 by the left holding portion 20A and the right holding portion 20B, and to fix the branch cable 13 to the housing 11 by the branch holding portion 20C.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the housing 11 has the positioning pins 18A and 18B protruding from the bottom 11A, positioning holes 19A passing through the trunk cable 12, and the positioning holes 19B passing through the branch cable 13.

[0119] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to reliably fix the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable to the housing 11. Embodiment 2

[0120] Next, a junction box 80 according to Embodiment 2 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 18 to 25 described. Cover 81

[0121] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 19, a stem operating hole 82 extending in the front-to-rear direction passes through a region at a rear portion of the upper wall of a cover 81, the region extending in the right-to-left direction and being located slightly to the left of this rear portion. The stem operating hole 82 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A hole edge portion of the stem operating hole 82 can be regarded as a frame portion 83 slightly projecting upward from the upper wall of the cover 81. A front end portion of the frame portion 83 is provided with a partial cover locking receiving portion 85 projecting forward and to which a partial cover locking claw 84, which will be described later, is locked.

[0122] A rear end portion of the trunk operation hole 82 is provided as a single body with the cover 81 with a partial cover 86 extending rearward via a hinge 87. The trunk partial cover 86 is extended in the front-rear direction, and the size of the trunk partial cover 86 is identical to that of the trunk operation hole 82 or is slightly larger than the size of the trunk operation hole 82, so that the trunk operation hole 82 is covered (see Fig. 18). A rear end portion of the trunk partial cover 86 is provided with a partial cover locking claw 84 capable of elastic deformation. The trunk partial cover 86 rotates around the hinge 87 due to the deformation of the hinge 87 and covers the trunk operation hole 82. At this time, when the partial cover locking claw 84 is elastically locked with the partial cover locking receiving portion 85, the trunk operation hole 82 is covered by the trunk partial cover 86.

[0123] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 19, a branch operation hole 88 extending in the right-left direction extends vertically through a portion of the upper wall of the cover 81 projecting forward at a front position of the fuse mounting portion 25. The branch operation hole 88 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A hole edge portion of the branch operation hole 88 can be regarded as a frame portion 83 slightly projecting upward from the upper wall of the cover 81. A left end portion of the frame portion 83 is provided with a partial cover locking receiving portion 85 projecting forward, with which the partial cover locking claw 84 is locked.

[0124] A right end portion of the branch operation hole 88 is provided as a single body with the cover 81 with a branch partial cover 90 extending to the right beyond the joint 87. The branch partial cover 90 is extended in the right-left direction, and the size of the branch partial cover 90 is identical to that of the branch operation hole 88 or is slightly larger than the size of the branch operation hole 88, so that the branch operation hole 88 is covered (see Fig. 18). A right end portion of the branch sub-cover 90 is provided with a sub-cover locking claw 84 capable of elastic deformation. The branch sub-cover 90 rotates around the hinge 87 due to the deformation of the hinge 87 and covers the branch operation hole 88. At this time, when the sub-cover locking claw 84 is elastically locked with the sub-cover locking receiving portion 85, the branch operation hole 88 is covered by the branch sub-cover 90.

[0125] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 22, a wiring portion 91 protrudes downward from a lower side of the upper wall of the cover 81, where the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are arranged. The lower side of the wiring portion 91 is provided with a plurality of rows of ribs 92 protruding downward. The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are electrically insulated from each other by having these ribs 92 interposed therebetween.The wiring section 91 and the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are fixed to each other by a known method such as bonding or heat welding.

[0126] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the wiring portion 91 is provided with a mounting recess 94 that is recessed upward and onto which the cover shield member 93 is mounted. The mounting recess 94 is larger than the outer shape of the cover shield member 93 and can accommodate the cover shield member 93. The cover shield member 93 is screwed to the cover 81 with the screw 29.

[0127] Lower end portions of the side walls of the cover shielding member 93 are provided with cover-side connecting pieces 95 that protrude downward. The cover-side connecting pieces 95 have a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0128] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the insulating plate 96 formed of an insulating synthetic plastic is mounted from below onto the wiring section 91. Side surfaces of the wiring section 91 are provided with outwardly projecting locking sections 97 (see Fig. 20). The upper wall of the cover 81 is provided with die-cut holes 98 for injection molding the locking portions 97 at positions corresponding to the locking portions 97. The insulating plate 96 is provided with gate-shaped locking receiving portions 99 that project upward and are elastically locked to the locking portions 97 at positions corresponding to the locking portions 97. When the locking receiving portions 99 are elastically locked to the locking portions 97, the insulating plate 96 is fixed to the wiring portion 91. Accordingly, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are held between the wiring portion 91 and the insulating plate 96. Base shielding element 100

[0129] As in Fig. 24, a base shield member 100 is disposed on the lower side of the insulating plate 96. The base shield member 100 has an L-shape when viewed from above. The intermediate bus bars 64 and the base shield member 100 are arranged vertically overlapping each other when viewed from above in a state in which the intermediate bus bars 64 are attached to the wiring portion 91 of the cover 81 and the base shield member 100 is attached to the lower side of the insulating plate 96. The outer shape of the base shield member 100 is slightly larger than a space in which the intermediate bus bars 64 are arranged. Accordingly, the base shield member 100 can prevent noise from entering the intermediate bus bars 64 from below.

[0130] Side edges of the base shield member 100 are provided with base-side connectors 101 extending downward at positions corresponding to the cover-side connectors 95 formed on the cover shield members 93. The base-side connectors 101 have a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The size of the base-side connectors 101 and the size of the cover-side connectors 95 provided on the cover 81 are substantially identical. The cover-side connectors 95 and the base-side connectors 101 are in contact with each other in a state in which the cover shield member 93 and the base shield member 100 are mounted on the cover 81. Accordingly, the cover shield member 93 and the base shield member 100 are electrically connected to each other. Main operating hole 82 and branch operating hole 89

[0131] If, as in Fig. 20, the cover 15, in which the trunk sub-cover 86 and the branch sub-cover 90 are opened, is attached to the housing 11, to which the trunk cable 12 and the branch cable 13 are attached at predetermined positions, the power trunk opening portions 44, the power trunk surfaces 45, the trunk-side terminal portions 57A of the first trunk-side busbar 56, the trunk-side terminal portion 57B of the second trunk-side busbar 62, the signal trunk opening portions 46, the signal trunk surfaces 48, the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate busbars 64, the ground trunk opening portions 47, the ground trunk surfaces 49, and the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 of the base shielding member 100 are located from the Trunk surgical hole 82 free.Accordingly, by inserting a jig (not shown) such as a soldering iron into the cover 81 through the trunk operation hole 82, it is possible to connect the power trunk surfaces 45 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B of the first trunk-side bus bar 56 and the second trunk-side bus bar 62, to connect the signal trunk surfaces 48 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate bus bars 64, and to connect the ground trunk surfaces 49 and the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 of the base shield member 100.

[0132] Also, the power branch opening portions 50, the power branch surfaces 51, the branch-side terminal portions 61A of the first branch-side busbar 60, the branch-side terminal portion 61B of the second branch-side busbar 63, the signal branch opening portions 52, the signal branch surfaces 54, the branch-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64, the ground branch opening portions 53, the ground branch surfaces 55, and the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 of the base shield member 100 are exposed from the branch operation hole 88.Accordingly, by inserting a jig such as a soldering iron into the cover 81 through the branching operation hole 88, it is possible to connect the power branching surfaces 51 and the branching-side terminal portions 61A and 61B of the first branching-side busbar 60 and the second branching-side busbar 63, to connect the signal branching surfaces 54 and the branching-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64, and to connect the grounding branching surfaces 55 and the branching-side ground terminal portions 70 of the base shield member 100.

[0133] Since configurations other than the above-mentioned are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 1, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Example of a manufacturing process in this embodiment

[0134] Next, an example of a process for manufacturing a junction box 80 according to this embodiment will be described below. Note that the process for manufacturing the junction box 80 is not limited to the following description. Steps identical to those of the process for manufacturing the junction box 80 according to Embodiment 1 will not be described.

[0135] The main cable 12 is placed and secured to a predetermined position of the housing 11. The branch cable 13 is placed and secured to a predetermined position of the housing 11. Solder paste is applied to the upper surfaces of the power main pads 45, the signal main pads 48, the ground main pads 49, the power branch pads 51, the signal branch pads 54, and the ground branch pads 55 using a known method such as screen printing.

[0136] As in Fig. 21, the cover shield member 93 is mounted from below on the mounting recess 94 in the wiring portion 91 formed on the lower side of the upper wall of the cover 81, and the cover shield member 93 is screwed to the cover 81 with the screw 29.

[0137] As in Fig. 22, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are mounted on the wiring section 91 from below, and these busbars are fixed to the wiring section 91 by a known method such as bonding or heat welding.

[0138] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 23, the insulating plate 96 is mounted on the wiring section 91 from below. When the locking receiving portions 99 of the insulating plate 96 are elastically locked with the locking portions 97 of the wiring section 91, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are held by the wiring section 91 and the insulating plate 96.

[0139] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, the base shield member 100 is mounted on the insulating plate 96 from below and fixed thereto by a known method such as bonding or heat welding. At this time, when the cover-side connecting pieces 95 of the cover shield member 93 and the base-side connecting pieces 101 of the base shield member 100 come into contact with each other, the cover shield member 93 and the base shield member 100 are electrically connected to each other.

[0140] The two fuses 26 are mounted from above onto the fuse mounting portion 25 provided on the cover 81. When the conductors of the fuses 26 are held by fuse connection terminal portions 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D, one of the fuses 26 is electrically connected to the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the first branch-side busbar 60, and the other fuse 26 is electrically connected to the second trunk-side busbar 62 and the second branch-side busbar 63.

[0141] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 25, the cover 81 is mounted on the housing 11 from above. The housing 11 and the cover 81 are assembled into a single body by elastic engagement between the locking portions 16 provided on the side walls of the housing 11 and the locking receiving portions 17 provided on the side walls of the cover 81.

[0142] A jig (not shown) such as a soldering iron is inserted into the cover 81 through the trunk operation hole 82, and then the operation for connecting the power trunk surfaces 45 to the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B of the first trunk-side bus bar 56 and the second trunk-side bus bar 62, the operation for connecting the signal trunk surfaces 48 to the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate bus bars 64, and the operation for connecting the ground trunk surfaces 49 to the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 of the base shield member 100 are performed (see Fig. 20).

[0143] A jig such as a soldering iron is inserted into the cover 81 through the branching operation hole 88, and then the operation of connecting the power branching surfaces 51 to the branching-side terminal portions 61A and 61B of the first branching-side busbar and the second branching-side busbar 63, the operation of connecting the signal branching surfaces 54 to the branching-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64, and the operation of connecting the grounding branching surfaces 55 to the branching-side ground terminal portions 70 of the base shielding member 100 are performed (see Fig. 20).

[0144] The trunk operation hole 82 is covered by the trunk partial cover 86 by rotating the trunk partial cover 86 around the hinge 21, so that the partial cover locking claws 84 are elastically locked with the partial cover locking receiving portions 85. The branch operation hole 88 is similarly covered by the branch partial cover 90. Accordingly, the junction box 80 according to this embodiment is complete (see Fig. 18). Effects of this embodiment

[0145] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, the cover 81 includes the trunk operation hole 82 open at a position corresponding to the trunk surfaces and facing the power trunk surfaces 45 and the signal trunk surfaces 48, and the branch operation hole 88 open at a position corresponding to the branch surfaces and facing the power branch surfaces 51 and the signal branch surfaces 54. At this time, the trunk sub-cover 86 for covering the trunk operation hole 82 and the branch sub-cover 90 for covering the branch operation hole 88 can be attached to the cover 81.

[0146] According to the configuration described above, by inserting a jig through the trunk operation hole 82 in a state where the cover 81 is mounted on the casing 11, it is possible to connect the power trunk surfaces 45 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B of the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62, and to connect the signal trunk surfaces 48 and the trunk-side terminal portions 57C of the intermediate busbars 64. Also, it is possible to connect the power branch surfaces 51 and the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B of the first branch-side busbar 60 and the second branch-side busbar 63, and to connect the signal branch surfaces 54 and the branch-side terminal portions 61C of the intermediate busbars 64.Then, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust into the casing 11 by covering the trunk operation hole 82 with the trunk partial cover 86 and covering the branch operation hole 88 with the branch partial cover 90. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the processability when manufacturing the junction box 80.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the base shield member 100 and the cover shield member 93 are electrically connected to each other.

[0148] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to electrically connect the ground trunk conductors 32, the ground branch conductors 39, the base shielding member 100 and the cover shielding member 93 to each other and thus reliably shield the intermediate busbars 64. Embodiment 3

[0149] Next, Embodiment 3 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to Fig. 26 to 29.

[0150] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, an insulating plate 110 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. The insulating plate 110 has an insulating plate-side first slot 74 that is bent into an L-shape when viewed from above, and an insulating plate-side second slot 75 located to the left of the insulating plate-side first slot 74 and extending in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

[0151] On the upper side of the insulating plate 110, a first trunk-side busbar 56, a first branch-side busbar 60, a second trunk-side busbar 62, a second branch-side busbar 63, and intermediate busbars 64 are arranged. The upper side of the insulating plate 110 is provided with several rows of ribs 72 projecting upward. The first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 are electrically insulated from each other because these ribs 72 are arranged between them.

[0152] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 26, a cover shield member 111 is disposed on the upper side of the insulating plate 110. The cover shield member 111 has an upper wall, and a first side wall 112 and a second side wall 113 extending downward from the side edges of the upper wall. The first side wall 112 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from above. The first side wall 112 has a shape corresponding to that of the insulating plate-side first slot 74 described above, and a lower end portion of the first side wall 112 is inserted from above into the insulating plate-side first slot 74 on the insulating plate side.

[0153] The second side wall 113 extends in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above. The second side wall 113 has a shape corresponding to that of the insulating plate-side second slot 75 described above, and a lower end portion of the second side wall 113 is inserted into the insulating plate-side second slot 75 from above.

[0154] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the lower edges of the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 of the cover shielding member 111 are provided with downwardly projecting cover connecting pieces 115. The cover-side connecting pieces 115 have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side.

[0155] The lower side of the insulating plate 110 is provided with a plurality of legs 73 projecting downward. Due to these legs 73, the insulating plate 110 is spaced from a bottom 11A of the housing 11 in a state in which the insulating plate 110 is placed on the bottom 11A of the housing 11.

[0156] A base shield member 114 is arranged on the lower side of the insulating plate 110. The base shield member 114 has an L-shape when viewed from above. The intermediate bus bars 64 and the base shield member 114 are arranged vertically overlapping each other when viewed from above in a state in which the intermediate bus bars 64 are attached to the wiring portion 91 of the cover 81, and the base shield member 114 is attached to the lower side of the insulating plate 110. The outer shape of the base shield member 114 is slightly larger than a space in which the intermediate bus bars 64 are arranged. Accordingly, the base shield member 114 can prevent noise from entering the intermediate bus bars 64 from below.

[0157] The side edges of the base shielding member 114 are provided with base-side connecting pieces 116 that extend downward at positions corresponding to the cover-side connecting pieces 115 formed on the cover shielding members 111. The base-side connecting pieces 116 have a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The size of the base-side connecting pieces 116 and the size of the cover-side connecting pieces 115 provided on the cover 81 are substantially identical.

[0158] As in Fig. 28 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 29, the cover-side connectors 115 and the base-side connectors 116 are in contact with each other in a state in which the cover shield member 111 and the base shield member 114 are mounted on the cover 81. Accordingly, the cover shield member 111 and the base shield member 114 are electrically connected to each other.

[0159] The insulating plate 110, the first trunk-side busbar 56, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the second branch-side busbar 63 and the intermediate busbars 64, and the base shield portion 114 are fixed to each other by a known method such as bonding or heat welding.

[0160] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 28, an insulating cover 117 made of an insulating synthetic resin is arranged between the intermediate busbars 64 and the cover shielding member 111. The insulating cover 117 has an L-shape when viewed from above (see Fig. 27).

[0161] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 26, a front end portion of the insulating cover 117 can be regarded as a protruding portion 118A protruding forward from a front end portion of the cover shield member 111. A left end portion of the insulating cover 117 can also be regarded as a protruding portion 118B protruding leftward from a left end portion of the cover shield member 111. The width of the protruding portions 118A and 118B is larger than that of the other portions of the insulating portion. The legs 119 extend downward from the side edges of the protruding portions 118A and 118B. Because these legs 119 contact the insulating plate 110 from above, a space is formed between the insulating cover 117 and the insulating plate 110, in which the intermediate busbars 64 can be arranged.

[0162] Since configurations other than the above-mentioned are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 1, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the insulating cover 117 formed of an insulating synthetic resin is inserted between the intermediate bus bars 64 and the cover shield member 111.

[0164] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to prevent short circuits between the intermediate busbars 64 and the cover shield member 111. Embodiment 4

[0165] Next, Embodiment 4 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to Fig. 30 described.

[0166] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 30, in a base shield member 130 according to this embodiment, a base-side connecting piece 131 includes a base portion 132 projecting downward and a pair of elastic contact pieces 133 extending laterally from two side edges of the base portion 132. The elastic contact pieces 133 are folded back toward the base portion 132. The cover-side connecting pieces 115 of the cover shield member 111 are inserted from above into the space enclosed by the base portion 132 and the pair of folded elastic contact pieces 133.

[0167] When the outer surfaces of the cover-side connecting pieces 115 come into contact with the pair of elastic contact pieces 133, the cover-side connecting pieces 115 are pressed against the base portion 132 due to the elastic force of the elastic contact pieces 133. Accordingly, the cover shield member 111 and the base shield member 130 are electrically connected to each other.

[0168] Since configurations other than the above-mentioned are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 3, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0169] According to the configuration described above, the cover-side connectors 115 can reliably contact the base-side connectors 131 because the cover-side connectors 115 are pressed against the base portion 132 due to the elastic force of the elastic contact pieces 133 provided on the base-side connectors 131. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the cover shielding member 111 and the base shielding member 130. As a result, it is possible to improve the shielding performance for the intermediate busbars 64. Embodiment 5

[0170] Next, Embodiment 5 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to Fig. 31 described.

[0171] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 31, the cover shield member 140 according to this embodiment has a branch-side ground terminal portion 141 extending forward from its front end portion and bent downward in a crank-like manner. This branch-side ground terminal portion 141 is electrically connected to the ground branch pads 55 of the branch cable 13.

[0172] A left end portion of a base shield member 143 also includes a trunk-side ground terminal portion 142 extending to the left and bent downward in a crank-like manner. This trunk-side ground terminal portion 142 is electrically connected to the ground trunk surfaces 49 of the trunk cable 12.

[0173] Since configurations other than the above-mentioned are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 4, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0174] According to this embodiment, the base shield member 143 is connected to the ground trunk surfaces 49, and the cover shield member 140 is connected to the ground branch surfaces 55. Also, the base-side connecting pieces 131 of the base shield member 143 and the cover-side connecting pieces 115 of the cover shield member 140 are electrically connected to each other due to the elastic force of the elastic contact pieces 133 formed in the connecting pieces 131. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the shielding performance of the base shield member 130 and the cover shield member 140. Embodiment 6

[0175] Next, Embodiment 6 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described with reference to Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 described.

[0176] As in Fig. 32, a first trunk-side busbar 56, a first branch-side busbar 60, a second trunk-side busbar 62, a second branch-side busbar 63, intermediate busbars 64, a cover shield member 150, and a base shield member 151 according to this embodiment are formed as a single body by insert molding with an insulating synthetic resin. The molded synthetic resin can be regarded as an insulating portion 152. The insulating portion 152 has a substantially parallelepiped shape that is flat in the up-and-down directions. The lower side of the insulating portion 152 is provided with legs 153 that protrude downward.

[0177] As in Fig.33, portions of the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62 other than the trunk-side terminal portions 57A and 57B and the fuse-link terminal portions 58A and 58B can be regarded as a first trunk-side embedded portion 154A and a second trunk-side embedded portion 154B embedded in the insulating portion 152. Also, portions of the first branch-side busbar 60 and the second branch-side busbar 63 other than the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B and the fuse-link terminal portions 58C and 58D can be regarded as a first branch-side embedded portion (not shown) and a second branch-side embedded portion (not shown) embedded in the insulating portion 152.

[0178] Portions of the intermediate busbars 64 other than the trunk-side terminal portions 57C and the branch-side terminal portions 61C may be regarded as embedded portions 155 embedded in the insulating portion 152.

[0179] The base shield member 151 is arranged below the intermediate bus bars 64 with a synthetic resin therebetween. A front end portion of the base shield member 151 is provided with a branch-side ground terminal portion 70 bent downward in a crank-like manner. A rear end portion of the base shield member 151 extends slightly rearward from positions where the intermediate bus bars 64 are arranged and is bent upward at a right angle in the synthetic resin. The portion of the rear end portion of the base shield member 151 that is bent upward is arranged at a position slightly spaced from the cover shield member 150 in the front-rear direction. A portion of the base shield member 151 other than the branch-side ground terminal portions 70 is embedded in the insulating portion 152.

[0180] The cover shield member 150 is arranged over the intermediate busbars 64 with a synthetic resin in between. A left end portion of the cover shield member 150 can be considered a trunk-side ground terminal portion 66 that is bent downward in a crank-like manner. A portion of the cover shield member 150 that is different from the trunk-side ground terminal portions 66 is embedded in the synthetic resin.

[0181] Since configurations other than the above-mentioned are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 4, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0182] According to this embodiment, portions of the first trunk-side busbar 56 and the second trunk-side busbar 62 other than the trunk-side terminal portions 57A, 57B and the fuse-link terminal portions 58A and 58B can be regarded as the first trunk-side embedded portion 154A and the second trunk-side embedded portion 154B embedded in the insulating portion 152 formed of the synthetic resin. Also, portions of the first branch-side busbar 60 and the second branch-side busbar 63 other than the branch-side terminal portions 61A and 61B and the fuse-link terminal portions 58C and 58D can be regarded as a first branch-side embedded portion and a second branch-side embedded portion embedded in the insulating portion 152.Also, the portions of the intermediate busbars 64 other than the trunk-side terminal portions 57C and the branch-side terminal portions 61C can be regarded as the embedded portions 155 embedded in the insulating portion.

[0183] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to reliably and electrically insulate the first trunk-side busbar 56, the second trunk-side busbar 62, the first branch-side busbar 60, the second branch-side busbar 63, and the intermediate busbars 64 due to the insulating synthetic resin. Other embodiments

[0184] The embodiments described above can be expanded and supplemented as follows.

[0185] (1) A plurality of trunk cables 12 may be arranged in the housing 11, or a plurality of branch cables (flexible branch flat cables) 13 may be arranged in the housing 11.

[0186] (2) A signal conductor (signal main conductor 31, signal branch conductor 38) may also be provided with a fuse.

[0187] (3) A power conductor (power main conductor 30, power branch conductor 37) may be electromagnetically shielded as a result of the power conductor being enclosed by a shielding element.

[0188] (4) The housing 11 and the cover 15 may also be formed as a single body by a joint.

[0189] (5) The cover 15 may also be a separate component from the main sub-cover 86 and the branch sub-cover 90. A configuration may also be adopted in which the cover 15 is a separate component from the main sub-cover 86 and the branch sub-cover 90, and the main sub-cover 86 and the branch sub-cover 90 are rotatably supported by the cover 15 by providing a shaft portion on one of them and a bearing portion on the other.

[0190] (6) The left holding section 20A, the right holding section 20B and the branch holding section 20C may also be omitted.

[0191] (7) The number of power conductor paths (power trunk conductor 30) provided in the trunk cable 12 and the number of power conductor paths (power branch conductor 37) provided in the branch cable 13 may be one, two, four or more.

[0192] (8) The number of signal conductor paths (signal trunk conductor 31) provided in the trunk cable 12 and the number of signal conductor paths (signal branch conductor 38) provided in the branch cable 13 may be one, three or more.

[0193] (9) The number of ground conductor paths provided in the trunk cable 12 and the number of ground conductor paths provided in the branch cable 13 may be one, three or more.

[0194] (10) An embodiment can also be adopted in which a main cable 12 is connected to several branch cables 13. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10.80 Junction box 11 housings 12 trunk cables 13 branch cables 14 conductive intermediate path 15, 81 Cover 18A, 18B positioning pin 19A, 19B Positioning hole 20A left holding section 20B right holding section 20C branch stopping section 26 Security 27 Cover shielding section 30 performance managers 31 Signal Line Managers 32 Mass trunk conductors 34, 41 Insulating foil 36, 43 insulating layer 39 Ground branch conductor 44 Power trunk opening section 45 Performance base area 46 Signal trunk opening section 48 Signal trunk area 50 Power branch opening section 51 Power branch area 52 Signal branch opening section 54 Signal junction area 56 first trunk-side busbar 57A, 57B, 57C trunk-side connection section 58A, 58B, 58C, 58D Fuse connection terminal section 60 first branch-side busbar 61A, 61B, 61C branch-side connection section 62 second trunk-side busbar 63 second branch-side busbar 64 Intermediate busbar 65 Base shielding element 66 trunk-side ground connection section 70 branch-side ground connection section 71, 110 insulating plate 82 trunk surgical hole 86 Partial trunk cover 88 Branch operating hole 90 branch partial cover 117 insulating cover 154A, 154B, 155 embedded section

Claims

[1] Structure for connecting flexible flat cables, comprising: a flexible trunk flat cable (12) having a trunk conductor (30, 31, 32) and an insulating trunk sheath (36) for sheathing the trunk conductor (30, 31, 32); a flexible branch flat cable (13) having a branch conductor (37, 38, 39) and an insulating branch sheath (43) for sheathing the branch conductor (37, 38, 39); and a conductive intermediate path (14) for electrically connecting the main conductor (30, 31, 32) and the branch conductor (37, 38, 39), wherein the trunk conductor (30, 31, 32) has a trunk surface (45, 48) exposed from a trunk opening portion (44, 46) formed in the insulating trunk sheath (36), and the branch conductor (37, 38, 39) has a branch surface (51, 54) exposed from a branch opening portion (50, 52) formed in the insulating branch sheath (43), the conductive intermediate path (14) has a trunk-side connection section (57A, 57B, 57C) connected to the trunk surface (45, 48) and a branch-side connection section (61A, 61B, 61C) connected to the branch surface (51, 54), wherein the conductive intermediate path (14) is mounted on an insulating plate (71, 110) formed of an insulating synthetic plastic, the conductive intermediate path (14) has a plurality of busbars (56, 60, 62, 63, 64), and the conductive intermediate path (14) comprises: a trunk-side busbar (56, 62) having the trunk-side connection section (57A, 57B), a fuse (26) connected to a fuse connection terminal portion (58A, 58B) formed on the trunk-side busbar (56, 62), and a branch-side busbar (60, 63) having a fuse connection terminal portion (58C, 58D) connected to the fuse (26) and having the branch-side terminal portion (61A, 61B). [2] Structure for connecting flexible flat cables according to claim 1, wherein the trunk conductor (30, 31, 32) comprises a power trunk conductor (30) and a signal trunk conductor (31), the branch conductor (37, 38, 39) has a power branch conductor (37) and a signal branch conductor (38), the power main conductor (30) and the power branch conductor (37) are electrically connected to one another, and the signal main conductor (31) and the signal branch conductor (38) are electrically connected to one another. [3] The flexible flat cable connecting structure according to claim 2, wherein one of the plurality of bus bars of the intermediate conductive path (14) is an intermediate bus bar (64) having the trunk-side terminal portion (57C) and the branch-side terminal portion (61C). [4] The flexible flat cable connecting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate conductive path (14) has an embedded portion (154A, 154B, 155) different from the trunk-side terminal portion (57A, 57B, 57C) and the branch-side terminal portion (61A, 61B, 61C), and which is embedded in an insulating synthetic resin.

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