Electric connection structure

Abstract

To provide an electric connection structure which can deal with differences in specifications of vehicles at a lower price.SOLUTION: An electric connection structure 1 includes: a base unit 10; and a battery circuit bus bar 42 which is detachably attached to a battery connection terminal 412 provided at the base unit 10. Further, the base unit 10 has: a battery connection terminal 412; a power supply distribution circuit component 30 which forms a part of a power supply distribution circuit 3; and one case 2 which holds the power supply distribution circuit component 30 and the battery connection terminal 412. The battery circuit bus bar 42 includes: a normal bus bar 421 which does not have a relief terminal 43; and a bus bar 422 with the relief terminal which has the relief terminal 43. At least one of the normal bus bar 421 and the bus bar 422 with the relief terminal is selectively attached to the battery connection terminal 412.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A conventional electrical connection structure of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connection box (electrical connection structure) that includes a base box main body that houses a base circuit including a base circuit bus bar, and an option box main body that houses an option circuit including an option circuit bus bar.

[0003] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the option box main body is detachably attached to the peripheral wall of the base box main body. When the option box main body is attached to the peripheral wall of the base box main body, the base circuit side joint protruding from the base circuit bus bar and the option circuit side joint protruding from the option circuit bus bar are joined to each other. This makes it possible to provide an electrical connection box (electrical connection structure) that can be used with good versatility for multiple types of vehicles with different circuit configurations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-007424 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, in order to accommodate differences in vehicle specifications, it is necessary to separately manufacture the bus bar for the option circuit and the option box body, which may increase manufacturing costs.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional techniques, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection structure capable of dealing with differences in vehicle specifications at a lower cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrical connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base unit having a power distribution circuit component that constitutes part of a power distribution circuit, a battery connection terminal that is electrically connected to a battery to constitute part of a battery circuit, and a case in which the power distribution circuit component and the battery connection terminal are held, and a battery circuit bus bar that is detachably attached to the battery connection terminal provided on the base unit, thereby electrically connecting with the battery connection terminal to constitute part of the battery circuit, the battery circuit bus bar comprising a normal bus bar that does not have a relief terminal, and a bus bar with a relief terminal that has the relief terminal, and at least one of the normal bus bar and the bus bar with a relief terminal is selectively attached to the battery connection terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an electrical connection structure capable of adapting to differences in vehicle specifications can be provided at a lower cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical connection structure according to an embodiment, and is a perspective view of an electrical connection structure not provided with a relief terminal, viewed from one direction. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrical connection structure according to an embodiment, in which an electrical connection structure not provided with a relief terminal is viewed from another direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical connection structure according to an embodiment, and is a perspective view of an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal, viewed from one direction. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrical connection structure according to an embodiment, in which an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal is seen from another direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a base unit according to an embodiment, seen from one direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a base unit according to an embodiment, seen from another direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a base unit according to an embodiment, seen from one direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the base unit according to the embodiment, seen from another direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of a case according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a back view showing an example of a case according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a power supply distribution circuit according to an embodiment and an example of a battery circuit not provided with a relief terminal; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a power supply distribution circuit according to an embodiment and an example of a battery circuit provided with a relief terminal; [Figure 13] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing components that are inserted from below into an example case, among components that form part of an example base unit according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a terminal block according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 19]1 is a side view showing one side of an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a side view showing the other side of an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 1 is a front view showing an example of a bus bar included in an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a rear view showing an example of a bus bar included in an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example of a restriction wall according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a state in which a protrusion is guided into a groove when an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment is inserted into an accommodating space in a normal position. [Diagram 25] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a protrusion is moved in a direction away from a groove by a regulating wall when an example of a multi-fusible link unit according to an embodiment is inserted into an accommodating space in an inverted position. [Figure 26] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing an example of a method for assembling an electrical connection structure that is not provided with a relief terminal. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for assembling an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal, illustrating a state before a bus bar with a relief terminal and a relief terminal cover are attached to a base unit. [Figure 28] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a method for assembling an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal, showing a state in which a relief terminal cover has been assembled to a base unit. [Figure 29] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for assembling an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal, showing a state in which the relief terminal cover is opened while the bus bar with relief terminal and the relief terminal cover are being assembled to the base unit. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The electrical connection structure according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] In the following embodiments, a multi-fusible link unit having a plurality of fusible link parts will be exemplified as the power distribution unit.

[0012] The direction in which the multi-fusible link unit is inserted is defined as the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the longitudinal direction of the case is defined as the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the short side direction of the case is defined as the X direction (front-rear direction: third direction).

[0013] Furthermore, the electrical connection structure will be described by defining the up-down direction of each component in a state where the electrical connection structure is arranged so that it is held in the case by moving the multi-fusible link from above to below. Also, the side where the multi-fusible link unit is located will be defined as the front in the X direction (front-back direction: third direction), and the side where electronic components other than the multi-fusible link unit are located will be defined as the rear in the X direction (front-back direction: third direction).

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electrical connection structure 1 of this embodiment comprises a case 2, a power distribution circuit component 30 held in the case 2, and a battery circuit component 40 held in a position in the case 2 different from the portion where the power distribution circuit component 30 is held.

[0015] Here, the power distribution circuit component 30 refers to a component constituting a part of the power distribution circuit 3 that distributes power supplied from a power source 8 to a plurality of loads 9. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the power distribution circuit component 30 includes a power supply terminal block 31 having a power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 electrically connected to the power source 8 via an electric wire 81. The power distribution circuit component 30 also includes a power distribution bus bar 32 electrically connected to the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312, and an electronic component 33 electrically connected to the power distribution bus bar 32. For example, an accessory (ACC) power source can be used as the power source 8. For example, an auxiliary device such as an electric power steering system (EPS) and other electrical connection structures can be used as the load 9 to which the power is distributed.

[0016] The battery circuit component 40 is a component that is electrically connected to the battery 6 and constitutes a part of the battery circuit 4 for supplying power from the battery 6 and charging the battery 6. In this embodiment, the battery circuit component 40 includes a battery circuit terminal block 41 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The battery circuit terminal block 41 includes a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 that is electrically connected to the battery 6 via an electric wire 61, and a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 that is connected to the load 7 via an electric wire 71. Furthermore, the battery circuit component 40 includes a battery circuit bus bar 42 that electrically connects the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0017] The electrical connection structure 1 configured in this manner is a member that constitutes part of an electrical connection box, such as a junction box, relay box, or fuse box, that is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, an electrical connection box can be formed by covering the top and bottom of the electrical connection structure 1 with an upper cover and a lower cover (not shown). It is also possible to form an electrical connection box by housing the electrical connection structure 1 together with other electrical devices in a housing (not shown).

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrical connection structure 1 is configured to be compatible with vehicles of different specifications, such as vehicle models and grades. Specifically, an electrical connection structure 1 that is not provided with a relief terminal 43 is installed in a vehicle in which the battery 6 is arranged in the engine compartment, such as a gasoline engine vehicle, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. On the other hand, an electrical connection structure 1 that is provided with a relief terminal 43 is installed in a vehicle in which the battery 6 is arranged outside the engine compartment, such as an electric vehicle (e.g., a hybrid engine vehicle), as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The relief terminal 43 is a component for receiving charging of the battery from another vehicle.

[0019] In this manner, in this embodiment, it is possible to select either the electrical connection structure 1 that is not provided with the relief terminal 43 or the electrical connection structure 1 that is provided with the relief terminal 43. By selecting either electrical connection structure 1, it is possible to accommodate differences in vehicle specifications.

[0020] In this embodiment, when the electrical connection structure 1 is not provided with the relief terminal 43, an alternator is connected to the load 7 side, and the battery 6 is charged by this alternator (load 7).

[0021] On the other hand, when the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with the rescue terminal 43, a starter is connected to the load 7 side, and power is supplied to the starter (load 7) from the battery 6. Also, by connecting a clip portion of a booster cable to the rescue terminal 43, the battery 6 can be charged from another vehicle.

[0022] Next, a specific configuration of the electrical connection structure 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0023] The case 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a wall portion 21 that serves as the framework of the case 2. The case 2 can be formed, for example, using an electrically insulating material (such as a resin such as polypropylene).

[0024] The wall portion 21 includes a peripheral wall 211 and a partition wall 212, and a number of spaces penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction) are defined by the peripheral wall 211 and the partition wall 212 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The power supply distribution circuit components 30 and the battery circuit components 40 are housed in the spaces defined by the peripheral wall 211 and the partition wall 212.

[0025] Specifically, the case 2 includes a power supply terminal block holding section 22 in which an accommodation space 221 is formed to accommodate and hold the power supply terminal block 31. In this embodiment, a holding protrusion 222 is formed on a wall section 21 that defines the accommodation space 221 so as to protrude into the accommodation space 221. The power supply terminal block 31 is accommodated in the accommodation space 221 of the power supply terminal block holding section 22 while being held by the holding protrusion 222. In this embodiment, the power supply terminal block 31 is held in the case 2 by being inserted into the accommodation space 221 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction).

[0026] The case 2 also includes a battery circuit terminal block holding section 23 in which an accommodation space 231 is formed to accommodate and hold the battery circuit terminal block 41. In this embodiment, a holding protrusion 232 is formed on the wall section 21 that defines the accommodation space 231 so as to protrude into the accommodation space 231. The battery circuit terminal block 41 is accommodated in the accommodation space 231 of the battery circuit terminal block holding section 23 while being held by the holding protrusion 232. In this embodiment, the battery circuit terminal block 41 is also inserted into the accommodation space 231 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (the vertical direction: the first direction), so that the battery circuit bus bar 42 is attached to the battery circuit terminal block 41 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (the vertical direction: the first direction).

[0027] Furthermore, the case 2 includes a fuse holding portion 24 in which an accommodation space 241 is formed to accommodate and hold the fuses 332, 452 as the electronic components 33, 45. In this embodiment, the fuses 332, 452 are inserted into the accommodation space 241 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and are thereby held in the case 2. Furthermore, at the lower part of the accommodation space 241 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), a tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411 is formed into which the tuning fork terminal 3223 formed on the power distribution bus bar 32 and the tuning fork terminal 444 formed on the battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 are inserted. In this embodiment, the tuning fork terminals 3223, 444 are inserted into the accommodation space 241 (tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Furthermore, an external connection terminal insertion space 2412 into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to one end of an electric wire having a load connected to the other end is inserted is formed at a position facing the tuning fork terminal insertion space 2411 at the lower part in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) of the accommodation space 241. Note that in this embodiment, the external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the accommodation space 241 (external connection terminal insertion space 2412) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0028] When the fuse 332, 452 is inserted into the housing space 241 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the tuning fork terminals 3223, 444 clamp the power supply side terminals 3321, 4521 of the fuse 332, 452. When the external connection terminal is inserted into the external connection terminal insertion space 2412 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) into the housing space 241, the external connection terminal (not shown) is connected to the load side terminals 3322, 4522 of the fuse 332, 452. In this way, the power supply 8 or the battery 6 is electrically connected to the load (not shown) via the fuse 332, 452, and a circuit (power supply distribution circuit 3 or battery circuit 4) having a fuse function is formed.

[0029] The case 2 also includes a relay holding portion 25 in which an accommodation space 251 is formed to accommodate and hold relays 331, 451 as electronic components 33, 45. In this embodiment, the relays 331, 451 are inserted into the accommodation space 251 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), thereby being held in the case 2. Furthermore, a strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2511 is formed in the lower part of the accommodation space 251 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). In this strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2511, strip-shaped terminals 3212, 3222, 3223 formed on the power distribution bus bar 32 and strip-shaped terminal 443 formed on the battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 are inserted. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped terminals 3212, 3222, 3223, 443 are inserted into the accommodation space 251 (strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2511) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). In addition, at a position facing the strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2511 at the lower part of the accommodation space 251 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), an external connection terminal insertion space 2512 into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to one end of an electric wire to which a load is connected is inserted is formed. In this embodiment, the external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the accommodation space 251 (external connection terminal insertion space 2512) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0030] When the relay 331, 451 is inserted into the accommodation space 251 from the upper side in the Z direction (one side in the first direction), the strip-shaped terminals 3212, 3222, 3223, 443 and the external connection terminals are electrically connected to the relay 331, 451. In this manner, the power source 8 or the battery 6 is electrically connected to a load (not shown) via the relay 331, 451, and a circuit having a switching function (the power supply distribution circuit 3 or the battery circuit 4) is formed.

[0031] The case 2 also includes an other electronic component holding section 26 in which an accommodation space 261 is formed to accommodate and hold other electronic components 333, 453 as the electronic components 33, 45. In this embodiment, the other electronic components 333, 453 are inserted into the accommodation space 261 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and are thereby held in the case 2. Furthermore, a strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2611 is formed in the lower part of the accommodation space 261 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). A strip-shaped terminal 3234 formed on the power distribution bus bar 32 and a strip-shaped terminal 445 formed on the battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 are inserted into this strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2611. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped terminals 3234, 445 are inserted into the accommodation space 261 (strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2611) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). An external connection terminal insertion space 2612 into which an external connection terminal (not shown) connected to one end of an electric wire, the other end of which is connected to a load, is inserted is formed at a position facing the strip-shaped terminal insertion space 2611 at the lower part in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) of the accommodation space 261. Note that in this embodiment, the external connection terminal (not shown) is also inserted into the accommodation space 261 (external connection terminal insertion space 2612) from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0032] When the other electronic component 333, 453 is inserted into the accommodation space 261 from the upper side in the Z direction (one side in the first direction), the strip-shaped terminals 3234, 445 and the external connection terminals are electrically connected to the other electronic component 333, 453. In this manner, the power source 8 or the battery 6 is electrically connected to the load (not shown) via the other electronic component 333, 453. In this manner, it becomes possible to form a circuit (power distribution circuit 3 or battery circuit 4) having various functions (functions provided by the other electronic components 333, 453).

[0033] The case 2 also includes a power distribution unit holding section 27 in which a storage space 271 is formed to store and hold a multi-fusible link unit (power distribution unit) 34 as the electronic component 33, 45. In this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is held in the case 2 by being inserted into the storage space 271 from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). The multi-fusible link unit 34 is a member in which a plurality of fusible link parts (fuse parts) 3413 are unitized. Then, in a state in which the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the storage space 271 and held in the case 2, the electric wire 91 can be electrically connected via each fusible link part (fuse part) 3413. Note that the fusible link part (fuse part) 3413 has a larger allowable current value than a normal fuse (fuse 332, 452), and can connect an electric wire 91 through which a relatively large current flows.

[0034] In this embodiment, the power distribution circuit component 30 includes a plurality of electric wire connection bolts 35 to which electric wires 91 can be connected, and the case 2 includes a power supply connection bolt holding portion 28 in which an accommodation space 281 for accommodating and holding the electric wire connection bolts 35 is formed. In this embodiment, eight power supply connection bolt holding portions 28 are formed to be aligned in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and each power supply connection bolt holding portion 28 accommodates and holds one electric wire connection bolt 35. Each power supply connection bolt holding portion 28 also includes a partition wall 282, which ensures an insulation distance for the electric wires 91 connected to the electric wire connection bolts 35.

[0035] The electric wire connection bolt 35 is held in the case 2 by being inserted into the accommodating space 281 from the lower side (the other side) in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). Specifically, the accommodating space 281 is formed with a head accommodating space 2811 that accommodates and holds the head 351 of the electric wire connection bolt 35 so as to be open downward. When the head 351 of the electric wire connection bolt 35 is accommodated and held in the head accommodating space 2811 from below, the shaft 352 of the electric wire connection bolt 35 protrudes forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: third direction).

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accommodation space 281 is formed below the accommodation space 271 in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is held in the case 2, the load connection portion 3414 of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 281. In this manner, the load connection portion 3414 is electrically connected to the shaft portion 352 of the electric wire connection bolt 35.

[0037] As described above, the power distribution circuit component 30 includes a power supply terminal block 31 having a power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312, and this power supply terminal block 31 includes a base 311 that holds the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312.

[0038] 14, the base 311 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a head accommodating space 3111 for accommodating and holding the head 3121 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 is formed in the base 311 so as to open to one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). When the head 3121 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 is accommodated and held in the head accommodating space 3111 from the side, the shaft 3122 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). By connecting the electric wire 81 to the shaft 3122, the power source 8 is electrically connected to the power distribution circuit component 30 via the electric wire 81.

[0039] The power distribution circuit component 30 also includes a power distribution bus bar 32 electrically connected to a power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the power distribution bus bar 32 includes a first power distribution bus bar 321, a second power distribution bus bar 322, and a third power distribution bus bar 323. These power distribution bus bars can be formed, for example, using a metal material having electrical conductivity and rigidity. In this embodiment, each power distribution bus bar is formed by punching a single conductive metal plate so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and appropriately performing plastic processing such as bending on the punched product.

[0040] The first power distribution busbar 321 has a connection piece 3211 connected to a power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312, and a through hole 32111 is formed in this connection piece 3211. The first power distribution busbar 321 is electrically connected to the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 by inserting a shaft portion 3122 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 into this through hole 32111. The first power distribution busbar 321 also has a strip-shaped terminal 3212, and a relay 331 serving as an electronic component 33 is electrically connected to this strip-shaped terminal 3212.

[0041] The second power distribution busbar 322 includes a connection piece 3221 connected to a power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312, and a through hole 32211 is formed in the connection piece 3221. The second power distribution busbar 322 is electrically connected to the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 by inserting the shaft portion 3122 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 into the through hole 32211. The second power distribution busbar 322 includes a strip-shaped terminal 3222, and a relay 331 serving as an electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the strip-shaped terminal 3222. The second power distribution busbar 322 includes a tuning fork terminal 3223, and a fuse 332 serving as an electronic component 33 is electrically connected to the tuning fork terminal 3223.

[0042] Moreover, the third power distribution bus bar 323 has one side connection piece 3231 connected to the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312, and a through hole 32311 is formed in this one side connection piece 3231. Then, by inserting the shaft portion 3122 of the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312 into this through hole 32311, the third power distribution bus bar 323 is electrically connected to the power supply bolt (power supply terminal) 312.

[0043] Furthermore, the third power distribution busbar 323 includes an other-side connection piece 3232 connected to the electric wire connection bolt 35, and a notch 32321 that opens downward is formed in the other-side connection piece 3232. The shaft portion 352 of the electric wire connection bolt 35 is inserted into the notch 32321, so that the third power distribution busbar 323 is electrically connected to the electric wire connection bolt 35. At this time, the power connection portion 3411 of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is also electrically connected to the same electric wire connection bolt 35. In this way, the current passing through the third power distribution busbar 323 is introduced into the multi-fusible link unit 34 via the other-side connection piece 3232. The current passing through the multi-fusible link unit 34 is distributed to each electric wire connection bolt 35 through each fusible link portion 3413.

[0044] Furthermore, the third power distribution bus bar 323 includes a strip-shaped terminal 3233, and a relay 331 serving as an electronic component 33 is electrically connected to this strip-shaped terminal 3233. The third power distribution bus bar 323 includes a strip-shaped terminal 3234, and another electronic component 333 is electrically connected to this strip-shaped terminal 3234.

[0045] As described above, the battery circuit component 40 includes the battery circuit terminal block 41. The battery circuit terminal block 41 includes a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 electrically connected to the battery 6 via the electric wire 61, and a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 connected to the load 7 via the electric wire 71. The battery circuit terminal block 41 further includes a base 411 that holds the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0046] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, the base 411 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A first head accommodating space 4111 for accommodating and holding the head 4121 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is formed in the base 411 so as to open to one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). A second head accommodating space 4112 for accommodating and holding the head 4131 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is formed in the base 411 so as to open to one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). When the head 4121 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is accommodated and held in the first head accommodating space 4111 from the side, the shaft 4122 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). Similarly, when the head 4131 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is accommodated and held from the side in the second head accommodating space 4112, the shaft 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). Then, an electric wire 61 is connected to the shaft 4122 of the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, so that the battery 6 is electrically connected to the battery circuit component 40 via the electric wire 61. Also, an electric wire 71 is connected to the shaft 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, so that the load 7 is electrically connected to the battery circuit component 40 via the electric wire 71.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery circuit component 40 is provided with a battery-side power distribution circuit that distributes the power supplied from the battery 6. That is, the battery circuit 4 is provided with a power distribution function. Note that it is also possible for the battery circuit 4 to have no power distribution function.

[0048] 13, the battery circuit component 40 includes a battery-side power supply distribution bus bar 44 electrically connected to a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. The battery-side power supply distribution bus bar 44 can be formed, for example, using a metal material having electrical conductivity and rigidity. In the present embodiment, a single conductive metal plate is punched so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and the punched product is appropriately subjected to plastic processing such as bending to form the battery-side power supply distribution bus bar 44.

[0049] The battery-side power supply distribution busbar 44 has a one-side connection piece 441 connected to the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, and a through hole 4411 is formed in this one-side connection piece 441. The battery-side power supply distribution busbar 44 is electrically connected to the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 by inserting the shaft portion 4132 of the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 into this through hole 4411.

[0050] Furthermore, the battery-side power distribution busbar 44 has an other-side connection piece 442 connected to the electric wire connection bolt 35, and a notch 4421 that opens downward is formed in the other-side connection piece 442. The shaft portion 352 of the electric wire connection bolt 35 is inserted into the notch 4421, so that the battery-side power distribution busbar 44 is electrically connected to the electric wire connection bolt 35. At this time, the power connection portion 3411 of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is also electrically connected to the same electric wire connection bolt 35. In this way, the current passing through the battery-side power distribution busbar 44 is introduced into the multi-fusible link unit 34 via the other-side connection piece 442. The current passing through the multi-fusible link unit 34 is distributed to each electric wire connection bolt 35 through each fusible link portion 3413. In this embodiment, the electric wire connection bolt 35 to which the other side connection piece 442 is connected is different from the electric wire connection bolt 35 to which the other side connection piece 3232 is connected.

[0051] Furthermore, the battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 has a strip-shaped terminal 443, and a relay 451 serving as an electronic component 45 is electrically connected to this strip-shaped terminal 443. The battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 has a tuning fork terminal 444, and a fuse 452 serving as an electronic component 45 is electrically connected to this tuning fork terminal 444. The battery-side power distribution bus bar 44 has a strip-shaped terminal 445, and another electronic component 453 is electrically connected to this strip-shaped terminal 445 (see FIGS. 11 to 13).

[0052] Furthermore, the battery circuit component 40 includes the battery circuit bus bar 42 that electrically connects the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, as described above.

[0053] Next, a specific configuration of the multi-fusible link unit 34 and a method of inserting it into the case 2 will be described.

[0054] The multi-fusible link unit 34 is a member inserted and held in the accommodation space 271 that opens to the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and is unitized as one component. This allows multiple fusible links (fusible link portions 3413) to be inserted and held collectively in the case 2. In this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is configured to be housed in the accommodation space 271 and inserted and held in the case 2 by relatively moving the multi-fusible link unit 34 from the upper side of the case 2 downward.

[0055] 15 to 22, the multi-fusible link unit 34 has a power supply connection portion 3411 and a plurality of load connection portions 3414, and includes a bus bar 341 capable of distributing power. The multi-fusible link unit 34 also includes a plurality of fusible link portions 3413 interposed between the power supply connection portion 3411 and the load connection portion 3414, and a cover 342 that holds the bus bar 341.

[0056] In this embodiment, a single conductive metal plate is punched out so that the outer shape of the material is a predetermined shape, and the punched product is appropriately subjected to plastic processing such as bending to form bus bar 341. Then, a plurality of fusible link portions 3413 are formed in bus bar 341.

[0057] In this way, the power supply connection portion 3411, the multiple load connection portions 3414, and the multiple fusible link portions 3413 are formed simply by forming the bus bar 341. This eliminates the need to unitize the individual fusible links by attaching them to the bus bar, and therefore the number of parts can be reduced, and costs can also be reduced. Furthermore, by forming multiple fusible link portions 3413 on one plate-like bus bar 341, the bus bar 341 having the power supply connection portion 3411, the multiple load connection portions 3414, and the multiple fusible link portions 3413 can be obtained at a lower cost. Furthermore, the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be made thinner.

[0058] 21 and 22, eight connection pieces are formed on the bus bar 341, and each connection piece is electrically connected to the wire connection bolt 35. In this manner, in this embodiment, the bus bar 341 is provided with eight load connection portions 3414. In this embodiment, a notch 34141 is formed in each of the load connection portions 3414, and the bus bar 341 is electrically connected to the wire connection bolt 35 by inserting the shaft portion 352 of the wire connection bolt 35 into the notch 34141.

[0059] Furthermore, among the eight load connection parts 3414, the two load connection parts 3414 located at the center in the Y direction are electrically connected to the electric wire connection bolt 35 to which the other side connection piece 442 is connected and the electric wire connection bolt 35 to which the other side connection piece 3232 is connected, respectively. Therefore, the two load connection parts 3414 located at the center in the Y direction also function as the power supply connection part 3411 to which the current is introduced when the multi-fusible link unit 34 distributes the power supply. In this manner, in this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is configured to be able to distribute the current supplied from the power supply 8 while distributing the current supplied from the battery 6. Therefore, the notches 34141 of the two load connection parts 3414 that also function as the power supply connection parts 3411 also correspond to the notches 34111 of the power supply connection part 3411.

[0060] Furthermore, the bus bar 341 has eight load connection parts 3414 connected by connection parts 3412, and a fusible link part (fuse part) 3413 is formed between the load connection parts 3414 and the connection parts 3412. This fusible link part (fuse part) 3413 includes a fusible element 34131, and when a current of a predetermined value or more flows through the fusible link part (fuse part) 3413, this fusible element 34131 is melted by heat.

[0061] On the other hand, the cover 342 includes a cover body 3421, and the bus bar 341 is held by the cover body 3421 with the cover body 3421 covering the multiple fusible link portions 3413. In this embodiment, the cover body 3421 includes a frame portion 34211 that holds the connecting portion of the bus bar 341 and the base end side of each load connection portion 3414, and a window portion 34212 that is attached to the frame portion 34211 and covers the fusible link portions 3413. In this embodiment, the window portion 34212 is formed of transparent or semi-transparent resin, and the fusible link portions 3413 can be visually observed with the cover 342 attached to the bus bar 341. Furthermore, a notch 213 is formed in the front wall portion 21 (peripheral wall 211) of the walls 21 that define the storage space 271 of the case 2, so that the fusible link portion 3413 can be visually observed even when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is stored in the storage space 271.

[0062] The cover body 3421 has a generally thin plate shape with a small thickness in the X direction, and is formed to have a generally two-fold rotational symmetry shape with respect to a virtual line L1 extending in the Z direction. Furthermore, the shape of the cover body 3421 is generally plane-symmetric with respect to a first virtual plane P1, which is a plane perpendicular to the Y direction, and is also generally plane-symmetric with respect to a second virtual plane P2, which is a plane perpendicular to the X direction.

[0063] By attaching such a cover body 3421 to the bus bar 341, the main body 340 (portions of the multi-fusible link unit 34 other than the protrusions 3422 described later) is formed. In this embodiment, the main body 340 is also formed to have a shape that is approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric with respect to a virtual line L1 extending in the Z direction. Furthermore, the shape of the main body 340 is approximately plane-symmetric with respect to a first virtual plane P1, which is a plane perpendicular to the Y direction, and is also approximately plane-symmetric with respect to a second virtual plane P2, which is a plane perpendicular to the X direction. In other words, the shape of the portions of the bus bar 341 exposed from the cover body 3421 (eight load connection portions 3414) is also approximately two-fold rotationally symmetric with respect to the virtual line L1, and is approximately plane-symmetric with respect to the first virtual plane P1.

[0064] In this way, the exterior of the main body 340 is shaped so that it can be inserted into the storage space 271 even when rotated 180 degrees around the Z direction (flipped from the normal position to the reverse position, or from the reverse position to the normal position).

[0065] In this embodiment, the allowable current value of the fusible link portion 3413 is set according to the electric wire 91 to be connected, and among the multiple fusible links 3413, there are fusible links 3413 with different allowable current values. If the fusible links 3413 have the same shape, the allowable current value is the same, and if the shapes are different, the allowable current value is also different. In this way, the allowable current value of each fusible link portion 3413 can be confirmed by visually checking the shape of the fusible link portion 3413.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the shapes of the eight load connection parts 3414 are arranged to have two-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the virtual line L1 extending in the Z direction, and are arranged to have a plane-symmetric shape with respect to the first virtual plane P1, which is a plane perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0067] On the other hand, the shape of the fusible link portion 3413 is asymmetric with respect to the imaginary line L1 and also with respect to the first imaginary plane P1. Therefore, the order of the allowable current values ​​of the fusible link portion 3413 differs between the normal position and the reverse position (see FIGS. 21 and 22).

[0068] In this way, by forming a plurality of fusible link portions 3413, which change the order of the allowable current values ​​when inverted, on plate-shaped bus bar 341, it is possible to form multi-fusible link units 34 that correspond to two different orders. Specifically, it is possible to form two types of multi-fusible link units 34: a multi-fusible link unit 34 whose normal position is the state shown in Fig. 21, and a multi-fusible link unit 34 whose normal position is the state shown in Fig. 22.

[0069] Here, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the ease of inserting the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the accommodation space 271 while preventing erroneous insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the case 2.

[0070] Specifically, the protrusions 3422 are formed on at least one of the main body 340 and the power distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27. In this embodiment, a pair of protrusions 3422 are formed on both ends in the Y direction at the lower end of the cover main body 3421 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction from the rear half in the X direction.

[0071] A groove 2712 is formed in at least the other of the main body 340 and the power distribution unit holding part (holding part) 27 (see FIGS. 23 and 24). A pair of grooves 2712 are formed at both ends in the Y direction of the main body accommodating space 2711 into which the main body 340 is inserted, so as to communicate with the rear side in the X direction. The grooves 2712 serve as spaces into which the protrusions 3422 are inserted when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodating space 271 in the normal position.

[0072] Furthermore, the power distribution unit holding portion (holding portion) 27 is formed with a restricting wall 214 that interferes with the protrusion 3422 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in an inverted position (see FIG. 25). The restricting wall 214 is formed on the wall portion 21 (peripheral wall 211) that defines the accommodation space 271, and is formed in front of the openings 27121 of the pair of grooves 2712 so as to be aligned with the openings 27121 in the X direction.

[0073] The protrusion 3422 is formed with a protrusion-side inclined surface 34221 that can contact the regulating wall 214 and guide the protrusion 3422 into the groove 2712 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in the normal position. Specifically, the protrusion-side inclined surface 34221 is formed on the front of the lower end of the protrusion 3422 so as to incline backward and downward.

[0074] As described above, in this embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 has a main body portion 340 formed so as to have an approximately two-fold rotational symmetric shape with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0075] A protrusion 3422 is formed on the main body 340. Furthermore, a groove 2712 that allows the insertion of the protrusion 3422 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted correctly, and a restriction wall 214 that interferes with the protrusion 3422 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted incorrectly are formed on the power distribution unit holding portion (holding portion) 27.

[0076] That is, the shape of the main body 340 is such that it can be inserted in reverse, and when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted in reverse, the protrusion 3422 interferes with the regulating wall 214. This prevents the multi-fusible link unit 34 from being accommodated in the accommodation space 271. When the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted in the normal direction, the protrusion 3422 is inserted into the groove 2712 without interfering with the regulating wall 214, and the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 271. Here, inserting the multi-fusible link unit 34 in the normal direction means inserting the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the accommodation space 271 in a correct state (normal position). Meanwhile, inserting the multi-fusible link unit 34 in reverse means inserting the multi-fusible link unit 34 in a state rotated 180 degrees around the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) with respect to the normal position (in a reverse position).

[0077] In this way, in the electrical connection structure 1 according to this embodiment, the shape of the main body 340 is made to be substantially two-fold rotationally symmetrical with respect to the imaginary line L1 extending in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), thereby making it possible to prevent the shape of the main body 340 from becoming complicated. This makes it possible to manufacture the multi-fusible link unit 34 more cheaply and easily.

[0078] Furthermore, while the shape of the main body 340 allows for reverse insertion, reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is restricted by the protrusion 3422, the restricting wall 214, and the groove 2712. In this way, even if the multi-fusible link unit 34 has a shape that may allow reverse insertion, reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 can be more reliably prevented.

[0079] Note that the multiple fusible link portions 3413 may have fusible link portions 3413 with different allowable current values. In this way, when the fusible link portions 3413 have different allowable current values, the order of the allowable current values ​​may differ between when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is in the normal position and when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is in the reverse position.

[0080] Therefore, when the exterior of the main body 340 has a shape that is approximately two-fold rotational symmetrical and the positional relationship of the multiple fusible link portions 3413 is asymmetrical, allowing reverse insertion may result in erroneous coupling of an electric wire that does not correspond to the fusible link portion 3413. For example, there is a risk that an electric wire with a low allowable current value may be erroneously coupled to a fusible link portion 3413 with a high allowable current value. In this way, if an electric wire with a low allowable current value is coupled to a fusible link portion 3413 with a high allowable current value, there is a risk that even if an overcurrent flows through the electric wire, the fusible link portion 3413 will not melt and the overcurrent will continue to flow through the electric wire.

[0081] However, with the electrical connection structure 1 shown in this embodiment, even if the shape of the main body 340 is such that reverse insertion is possible, reverse insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous coupling of an electric wire that is not compatible with the fusible link portion 3413.

[0082] Furthermore, in the electrical connection structure 1 shown in this embodiment, the protrusion 3422 is formed with a protrusion-side inclined surface 34221 that can guide the protrusion 3422 into the groove 2712. That is, the protrusion 3422 is formed with a protrusion-side inclined surface 34221 that can contact the regulating wall 214 and guide the protrusion 3422 into the groove 2712 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodating space 271 in the normal position. This makes it possible to more easily accommodate the multi-fusible link unit 34 in the accommodating space 271.

[0083] In this way, the electrical connection structure 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to manufacture the multi-fusible link unit 34 more cheaply and easily, and also makes it possible to further improve the ease of insertion while preventing erroneous insertion of the multi-fusible link unit 34 into the case 2.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction wall 214 is formed with a restriction wall side inclined surface 2141 that is inclined forward and downward in the X direction. This makes it possible for the protrusion side inclined surface 34221 to come into contact with the restriction wall side inclined surface 2141 and for the protrusion 3422 to move in a direction away from the groove 2712 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in the inverted position.

[0085] In other words, a regulating wall side inclined surface 2141 is formed on the regulating wall 214, and when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reverse-inserted, the protrusion side inclined surface 34221 is brought into contact with the regulating wall side inclined surface 2141 to move the protrusion 3422 away from the groove 2712.

[0086] In this way, when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reversely inserted and the protrusion 3422 interferes with the regulating wall 214, the protrusion-side inclined surface 34221 can be moved along the regulating wall-side inclined surface 2141, and the protrusion 3422 can be moved away from the groove 2712. By moving the protrusion 3422 away from the groove 2712, it is possible to more reliably prevent the protrusion 3422 from being erroneously inserted into the groove 2712 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reversely inserted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the multi-fusible link unit 34 from being forcibly pushed into the accommodation space 271 when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reversely inserted. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the multi-fusible link unit 34 from being erroneously inserted into the case 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in the inverted position, the projection-side inclined surface 34221 and the restriction-wall-side inclined surface 2141 are in surface contact with each other.

[0088] This makes it possible to disperse the stress that occurs when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reverse-inserted and the protrusion 3422 interferes with the restricting wall 214. In other words, this makes it possible to prevent the stress that occurs when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reverse-inserted and the protrusion 3422 interferes with the restricting wall 214 from concentrating in one area. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the protrusion 3422 and the restricting wall 214 from being damaged when the multi-fusible link unit 34 is reverse-inserted.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the rear wall portion 21 (partition 212) that defines the storage space 271 also has a partition side inclined surface 2121 formed so as to incline forward and downward, and this partition side inclined surface 2121 also has the function of guiding the protrusion 3422 into the groove 2712.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide the electrical connection structure 1 capable of dealing with differences in vehicle specifications at a lower cost. In other words, it is possible to manufacture the electrical connection structure 1 capable of dealing with the presence or absence of the relief terminal 43 at a lower cost.

[0091] Specifically, the case 2 holds the power distribution circuit components 30 and the battery circuit components 40 other than the battery circuit bus bar 42, thereby forming the base unit 10 as shown in FIGS.

[0092] This base unit 10 is used regardless of the presence or absence of the relief terminal 43. That is, the base unit 10 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is used whether the electrical connection structure 1 is not provided with the relief terminal 43 or is provided with the relief terminal 43. In this way, the number of parts used in common is maximized.

[0093] The battery circuit bus bar 42 includes a normal bus bar 421 that does not have a relief terminal 43, and a bus bar with relief terminal 422 that has the relief terminal 43. In this way, when the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with no relief terminal 43, the normal bus bar 421 is attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412. On the other hand, when the electrical connection structure 1 is provided with the relief terminal 43, at least the bus bar with relief terminal 422 is attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0094] In this manner, in this embodiment, at least one of normal bus bar 421 and bus bar with relief terminal 422 is selectively attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0095] That is, by attaching a bus bar (normal bus bar 421) that does not have a relief terminal 43 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, it is possible to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 that is not provided with a relief terminal 43. In this way, when it is not necessary to provide the electrical connection structure 1 with a relief terminal 43, it is possible to meet the demand for an electrical connection structure 1 that is not provided with a relief terminal 43.

[0096] On the other hand, an electrical connection structure 1 provided with a relief terminal 43 can be obtained by attaching a bus bar (bus bar 422 with relief terminal) having a relief terminal 43 to a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10. This makes it possible to deal with cases where it is necessary to provide the electrical connection structure 1 with a relief terminal 43.

[0097] In this manner, the electrical connection structure 1 shown in this embodiment uses the base unit 10 as a common component. Then, by selectively attaching the normal bus bar 421 and / or the bus bar with relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, it is possible to deal with the presence or absence of the relief terminal 43.

[0098] In other words, by simply preparing multiple types of bus bars that can be selectively attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, an electrical connection structure 1 can be obtained that can accommodate the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43.

[0099] Therefore, compared to the case where a new case is separately prepared or a relief terminal 43 is provided in the power distribution circuit component 30, the cost of manufacturing the electrical connection structure 1 that can accommodate the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43 can be reduced.

[0100] In this way, with the configuration shown in this embodiment, it becomes possible to provide the electrical connection structure 1 capable of dealing with differences in vehicle specifications at a lower cost.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base unit 10 includes a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 that is electrically connected to the load 7 to form a part of the battery circuit 4 and is held by the case 2.

[0102] Furthermore, the normal bus bar 421 is a bus bar that can be attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 to electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0103] Specifically, normal bus bar 421 is formed with a first through hole 4211 through which first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted and a second through hole 4212 through which second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted. When normal bus bar 421 is attached, first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted into first through hole 4211, and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted into second through hole 4212. In this manner, normal bus bar 421 is attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, and first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically connected to each other. In addition, a frame-shaped locking piece 4213 is formed on the normal bus bar 421, and when the normal bus bar 421 is attached to the base unit 10, this locking piece 4213 is adapted to be locked into a locking protrusion 4113 formed on the base 411.

[0104] Further, the busbar with relief terminal 422 includes a normal busbar portion 4221 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a relief terminal portion 4222 connected to the normal busbar portion 4221 to serve as the relief terminal 43. Here, the normal busbar portion 4221 refers to a portion that is attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. In this embodiment, the normal busbar portion 4221 is formed with a first through hole 42211 through which the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted and a second through hole 42212 through which the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted. When the normal busbar portion 4221 is attached, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 is inserted into the first through hole 42211, and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 is inserted into the second through hole 42212. In this manner, the normal busbar portion 4221 is attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413, and the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically connected to each other. The normal busbar portion 4221 also has a frame-shaped locking piece 42213 formed thereon, and when the normal busbar portion 4221 is attached to the base unit 10, the locking piece 42213 is locked to a locking protrusion 4113 formed on the base 411.

[0105] In addition, the rescue terminal portion 4222 is normally formed to protrude upward from the bus bar portion 4221, and by connecting the clip portion of a booster cable with the rescue terminal cover 5 described later open, the battery 6 can be charged from another vehicle.

[0106] Then, normal bus bar 421 or bus bar with relief terminal 422 is selectively attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413. That is, in any electrical connection structure 1, only one of normal bus bar 421 and bus bar with relief terminal 422 is attached to base unit 10.

[0107] In this way, an electrical connection structure 1 provided with a relief terminal 43 can be obtained simply by attaching only the bus bar 422 with relief terminal to the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413 provided on the base unit 10.

[0108] In other words, in order to provide a relief terminal 43 in the electrical connection structure 1, it is no longer necessary to attach both the normal bus bar 421 and the bus bar with relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0109] This makes it possible to further simplify the manufacturing process of the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the relief terminal 43, and makes it possible to more easily obtain the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the relief terminal 43.

[0110] In this embodiment, in the state of the base unit 10, the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically insulated. Therefore, in order to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 that is not provided with a relief terminal 43, it is necessary to attach a normal bus bar 421 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 provided on the base unit 10. On the other hand, in order to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 that is provided with a relief terminal 43, it is necessary to attach a bus bar 422 with a relief terminal to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 provided on the base unit 10.

[0111] In this manner, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43 can be accommodated by attaching either a normal bus bar 421 or a bus bar with a relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0112] Therefore, with the configuration shown in this embodiment, simply by checking the type of battery circuit bus bar 42 that has been installed, it is possible to check not only the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43 but also the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when bus bar 422 with relief terminal is attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, relief terminal cover 5 capable of covering relief terminal 43 in an openable and closable manner is provided.

[0114] This not only allows the rescue terminal 43 to be protected by the rescue terminal cover 5 when not in use, but also more reliably prevents fingers, tools, etc. from touching the rescue terminal 43 when the rescue terminal 43 is not in use.

[0115] In this embodiment, the relief terminal cover 5 is rotatably attached to the case 2. Specifically, the relief terminal cover 5 includes a cover main body 51 that covers the relief terminal 43, a shaft portion 52 that is held by a bearing 215 and a shaft holding protrusion 216 formed on the case 2, and a shaft holding portion 53 that holds the shaft portion 52. The relief terminal cover 5 can be rotated between a closed state shown in Fig. 1 and an open state shown in Fig. 29.

[0116] This makes it easier to open and close the relief terminal 43 using the relief terminal cover 5. Also, by attaching the relief terminal cover 5 to the case 2, it is possible to more reliably prevent the relief terminal cover 5 from being lost when using the relief terminal 43, etc.

[0117] 27 to 29 show an example of a method for attaching relief terminal cover 5 to case 2 before attaching relief terminal bus bar 422, but the method is not limited to this. For example, relief terminal cover 5 can be attached to case 2 after attaching relief terminal bus bar 422 or at the same time as attaching relief terminal bus bar 422.

[0118] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the electrical connection structure shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0119] (1) The electrical connection structure 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a base unit 10. The base unit 10 has a power distribution circuit component 30 that constitutes a part of the power distribution circuit 3. The base unit 10 also has a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 that is electrically connected to the battery 6 and constitutes a part of the battery circuit 4. The base unit 10 also has a case 2 in which the power distribution circuit component 30 and the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 are held.

[0120] Furthermore, the electrical connection structure 1 includes a battery circuit bus bar 42 that is detachably attached to a first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10. This battery circuit bus bar 42 is a bus bar that is detachably attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, and thereby electrically connected to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 to form a part of the battery circuit 4.

[0121] Here, the battery circuit bus bar 42 includes a normal bus bar 421 that does not have a relief terminal 43, and a bus bar with a relief terminal 422 that has the relief terminal 43. At least one of the normal bus bar 421 and the bus bar with a relief terminal 422 is selectively attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412.

[0122] In this way, in the electrical connection structure 1 shown in the above embodiment, the normal bus bar 421 and / or the bus bar with relief terminal 422 can be selectively attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10.

[0123] Specifically, by mounting a bus bar (normal bus bar 421) that does not have a relief terminal 43 on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, it is possible to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 that does not have a relief terminal 43. In this way, when it is not necessary to provide the electrical connection structure 1 with a relief terminal 43, it is possible to meet the demand for an electrical connection structure 1 that does not have a relief terminal 43. On the other hand, by mounting a bus bar (bus bar 422 with relief terminal) that has a relief terminal 43 on the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, it is possible to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 that has a relief terminal 43. In this way, it is possible to meet the demand for an electrical connection structure 1 that does not have a relief terminal 43.

[0124] In this way, the electrical connection structure 1 shown in the above embodiment uses the base unit 10 as a common component. Then, by selectively attaching the normal bus bar 421 and / or the bus bar with relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, it is possible to deal with the presence or absence of the relief terminal 43.

[0125] In other words, by simply preparing multiple types of bus bars that can be selectively attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 provided on the base unit 10, an electrical connection structure 1 can be obtained that can accommodate the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43.

[0126] Therefore, compared to the case where a new case is separately prepared or a relief terminal 43 is provided in the power distribution circuit component 30, the cost of manufacturing the electrical connection structure 1 that can accommodate the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43 can be reduced.

[0127] In this way, with the configuration shown in the above embodiment, it becomes possible to provide an electrical connection structure 1 capable of dealing with differences in vehicle specifications at a lower cost.

[0128] (2) The base unit 10 may also include a second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 that is electrically connected to the load 7 to form part of the battery circuit 4 and is held by the case 2.

[0129] In addition, the normal bus bar 421 may be a bus bar that can be attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 to electrically connect the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0130] Furthermore, busbar with relief terminal 422 may include a normal busbar portion 4221 and a relief terminal portion 4222 connected to the normal busbar portion to serve as relief terminal 43. Here, normal busbar portion 4221 refers to a portion that is attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 and can electrically connect first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0131] A normal bus bar 421 or a bus bar with a relief terminal 422 may be selectively attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0132] In this way, an electrical connection structure 1 provided with a relief terminal 43 can be obtained simply by attaching only the bus bar 422 with relief terminal to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 provided on the base unit 10.

[0133] In other words, in order to provide the electrical connection structure 1 with a relief terminal 43, it is no longer necessary to attach both the normal bus bar 421 and the bus bar with relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0134] As a result, the manufacturing process for the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the relief terminal 43 can be further simplified, and the electrical connection structure 1 provided with the relief terminal 43 can be obtained more easily.

[0135] In the case of the configuration (2), the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 are electrically insulated in the state of the base unit 10. Therefore, in order to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 without a relief terminal 43, it is necessary to attach the normal bus bar 421 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 provided on the base unit 10. On the other hand, in order to obtain an electrical connection structure 1 with a relief terminal 43, it is necessary to attach the relief-terminal-equipped bus bar 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413 provided on the base unit 10.

[0136] In this way, in the case of the configuration (2), the presence or absence of a relief terminal 43 can be accommodated by attaching either a normal bus bar 421 or a bus bar with a relief terminal 422 to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412 and the second bolt (load connection terminal) 413.

[0137] Therefore, with the configuration (2), simply by checking the type of battery circuit bus bar 42 that has been installed, it is possible to check not only whether or not there is a relief terminal 43, but also whether or not there is an electrical connection between the first bolt 412 and the second bolt 413.

[0138] (3) When bus bar 422 with relief terminal is attached to first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412, relief terminal cover 5 capable of covering relief terminal 43 in an openable and closable manner may be provided.

[0139] In this way, the rescue terminal 43 can be protected by the rescue terminal cover 5 when not in use, and it is possible to more reliably prevent fingers, tools, etc. from touching the rescue terminal 43 when the rescue terminal 43 is not in use.

[0140] (4) Furthermore, the relief terminal cover 5 may be attached to the case 2 in a rotatable manner.

[0141] This makes it easier to open and close the relief terminal 43 using the relief terminal cover 5. Also, by attaching the relief terminal cover 5 to the case 2, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the relief terminal cover 5 from being lost when using the relief terminal 43, etc.

[0142] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, the normal bus bar 421 or the bus bar with relief terminal 422 is selectively attached, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and various configurations are possible. For example, the base unit 10 may be configured to include the normal bus bar 421, and the presence or absence of a relief terminal may be determined depending on whether the bus bar with relief terminal 422 is attached to the first bolt (battery connection terminal) 412. In this case, the attachment of the normal bus bar 421 and the bus bar with relief terminal 422 results in an electrical connection structure provided with a relief terminal. Then, the base unit 10 in a state in which the bus bar with relief terminal 422 is not attached becomes an electrical connection structure not provided with a relief terminal.

[0144] Also, instead of attaching the relief terminal cover 5 to the case 2, it is also possible to attach it directly to the relief terminal 43.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the multi-fusible link unit 34 is exemplified as the power distribution unit, but the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a power integration serving as the power distribution unit is housed in a case.

[0146] It is also possible to provide a protrusion on the holding portion 27, and provide a groove into which the protrusion is inserted on the main body portion 340 and a restricting wall that interferes with the protrusion when the power distribution unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in an inverted position. It is also possible to provide a protrusion, a groove, and a restricting wall on the main body portion 340, and provide a groove, a restricting wall, and a protrusion at a corresponding portion of the holding portion. That is, any number of sets of protrusions, grooves, and restricting walls can be formed at any desired locations on the main body portion 340 and the holding portion 27.

[0147] Moreover, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the restriction wall 214 does not have the restriction wall side inclined surface 2141 formed thereon.

[0148] It is also possible to prevent the projection-side inclined surface 34221 and the restriction-wall-side inclined surface 2141 from coming into surface contact with each other when the power distribution unit 34 is inserted into the accommodation space 271 in the inverted position.

[0149] Case 2 can also be configured to hold spare parts and tools.

[0150] Moreover, the power distribution unit 34 may be configured without the misconnection prevention function.

[0151] In addition, the case, power distribution circuit, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 Electrical connection structure 10 Base Unit 2 Cases 3 Power distribution circuit 30 Power distribution circuit components 4 Battery Circuit 412 First bolt (battery connection terminal) 413 Second bolt (load connection terminal) 42 Battery circuit busbar 421 Normal busbar 422 Busbar with relief terminal 4221 Normal busbar section 4222 Relief terminal section 43 Relief terminal 5. Relief terminal cover 6 Battery 7. Load

Claims

1. a base unit including a power distribution circuit component constituting a part of a power distribution circuit, a battery connection terminal electrically connected to a battery to constitute a part of a battery circuit, and a case for holding the power distribution circuit component and the battery connection terminal; a battery circuit bus bar that is detachably attached to the battery connection terminal provided on the base unit to electrically connect to the battery connection terminal and form a part of the battery circuit; Equipped with The battery circuit bus bar includes: A normal bus bar having no relief terminal; a bus bar having the relief terminal; Equipped with At least one of the normal bus bar and the bus bar with the relief terminal is selectively attached to the battery connection terminal. Electrical connection structure.

2. the base unit includes a load connection terminal that is electrically connected to a load to form a part of a battery circuit and is held by the case; the normal bus bar is a bus bar that can be attached to the battery connection terminal and the load connection terminal to electrically connect the battery connection terminal and the load connection terminal, the busbar with relief terminal includes a normal busbar portion that is attached to the battery connection terminal and the load connection terminal and is capable of electrically connecting the battery connection terminal and the load connection terminal, and a relief terminal portion that is connected to the normal busbar portion and serves as the relief terminal, The normal bus bar or the bus bar with the relief terminal is selectively attached to the battery connection terminal and the load connection terminal. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1 .

3. When the bus bar with the relief terminal is attached to the battery connection terminal, a relief terminal cover capable of opening and closing the relief terminal is provided. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The relief terminal cover is rotatably attached to the case. The electrical connection structure according to claim 3 .

Images