Electric connection box

Abstract

To provide an electric connection box which can be miniaturized while having a waterproof function.SOLUTION: An electric connection box 1 having a housing space inside comprises: an upper cover 20 comprising a plurality of connector parts 22 for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the housing space with each other, and a plate-like base part 21 on which the connector parts 22 are provided; and a lower cover 30 to which the upper cover 20 is attached. Each of the connector parts 22 has a waterproof function for suppressing intrusion of water into the housing space by water-tightly fitting to a mating connector 2, and at least a part of the connector parts 22 comprises: a cylindrical part 23 extending from the base part 21 toward the outside; and a projection 24 projecting from an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical part 23 toward the outside of a cylinder. The base part 21 comprises: a through hole 25 at a position by projecting the projection 24 in an extension direction of the cylindrical part 23 as a die cut hole of the projection 24; and a stop valve 50 fitted in the through hole 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical junction box having an internal storage space. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical junction boxes have been proposed for installation in vehicles, etc. For example, one conventional electrical junction box electrically connects electronic components, bus bars, etc. housed in an internal housing space with external equipment using connectors, bolts, etc., and then covers the electronic components, electrical contacts, etc. with a cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-240217 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when a vehicle or the like equipped with an electrical junction box is subjected to high-pressure water cleaning, the electrical junction box may be exposed to water. Therefore, by covering the electronic components and electrical contacts with a cover as in the conventional electrical junction box described above, even if the electrical junction box is exposed to water, water is prevented from reaching the electronic components and electrical contacts in the housing space. However, the use of a cover tends to increase the size of the electrical junction box. In particular, when the space for installing the electrical junction box in a vehicle or the like is limited, it is desirable to reduce the size of the electrical junction box without compromising the waterproof function of the electrical junction box.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box that has a waterproof function and can be made compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electrical junction box according to the present invention has the following features.

[0007] An electrical connection box having an internal storage space, a cover having a plurality of connector portions for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the accommodation space and a plate-shaped base portion on which the plurality of connector portions are provided; a case to which the cover is attached, Each of the plurality of connector portions is The connector has a waterproof function of fitting watertightly with the mating connector portion to prevent water from entering the housing space, At least some of the plurality of connector portions a cylindrical portion extending outward from the base portion; and a protruding portion protruding outward from an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion, The base portion is The protrusion has a through hole as a die-cut hole at a position where the protrusion is projected in the extension direction of the cylindrical portion, and a stop valve fitted into the through hole. It must be an electrical junction box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the electrical junction box of the present invention, the connector portion provided on the cover has a waterproof function of watertightly mating with the mating connector portion to prevent water from entering the storage space. Furthermore, the connector portion has a cylindrical portion (e.g., a hood portion into which the mating connector portion is inserted) extending outward from the plate-shaped base portion, and a protrusion portion (e.g., a locking protrusion for engaging the mating connector or a lever shaft for engaging a lever of the mating connector) protruding outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The base portion has a through hole serving as a mold-removal hole for the protrusion portion (i.e., a hole for inserting and removing a mold piece provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion portion to avoid undercuts when manufacturing the cover using a mold), and a water stop valve fitted into the through hole.

[0009] As a result, by assembling the cover and case to accommodate electronic components, bus bars, etc. in the accommodation space and mating the mating connector with the connector portion of the cover, water intrusion into the accommodation space can be prevented without providing a waterproof cover as in conventional electrical junction boxes. Furthermore, since a waterproof cover is not required, the electrical junction box can be made smaller. In particular, even in cases where multiple connector portions are densely arranged on the cover to the extent that it is difficult to use a slide core to avoid undercuts, the electrical junction box of the present invention can achieve both water intrusion prevention into the accommodation space and a compact size. Therefore, the electrical junction box of the present invention can be made smaller while maintaining waterproof functionality.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention set forth below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical junction box shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the upper cover shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 with the stopcocks removed from each of the die-cut holes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a large stop valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a small stop valve. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Embodiment> An electrical junction box 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electrical junction box 1 accommodates various electronic components such as relays and fuses inside, and therefore may also be referred to as an electronic component unit. For ease of explanation, the following definitions are used to define "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," as shown in FIG. 1 and other figures. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are mutually orthogonal. Note that the "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are defined merely for ease of explanation and do not necessarily correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of a vehicle or the like when the electrical junction box 1 is mounted on the vehicle or the like.

[0013] 1 and 2, the electrical junction box 1 includes a circuit board 10, and an upper cover 20 and a lower cover 30 that are arranged to sandwich the circuit board 10 from above and below and define an internal storage space for accommodating the circuit board 10. The electrical junction box 1 is typically attached to a dash panel that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment (cabin) of a vehicle, and is used with the upper cover 20 exposed to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Each of the components that make up the electrical junction box 1 will be described below.

[0014] First, we will explain the circuit board 10. The circuit board 10 is a printed circuit board (PCB) on which various electronic components (not shown), such as relays and fuses, are mounted, and in this example, has a rectangular flat plate shape as shown in FIG.

[0015] Next, the lower cover 30 will be described. The lower cover 30 is made of metal and functions as a heat sink, absorbing heat generated by various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 10 and releasing it to the outside. In this example, the lower cover 30 has a generally rectangular box shape with an open upper end, as shown in FIG. 2. A water-stopping member (not shown) is disposed in a generally rectangular annular groove formed in the edge of the generally rectangular frame-like opening at the upper end of the lower cover 30. When the electrical junction box 1 is fully assembled, the water-stopping member seals the gap between the upper cover 20 and the lower cover 30, which are fixed to each other by fastening or the like, thereby preventing water from entering the interior of the electrical junction box 1 from the outside.

[0016] Next, the upper cover 20 will be described. The upper cover 20 is a resin-molded body formed using multiple molds whose die-cutting direction coincides with the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper cover 20 integrally includes a rectangular, flat base portion 21 and multiple connector portions 22 provided at multiple locations on the upper surface of the base portion 21 (the surface exposed to the outside of the electrical junction box 1). Each connector portion 22 is fitted with a mating connector 2 (see FIG. 1) connected to an end of an electric wire 3 extending from an external device (not shown) of the electrical junction box 1. As a result, each connector portion 22 functions to electrically connect electronic components mounted on the circuit board 10 inside the electrical junction box 1 to the external device of the electrical junction box 1. For convenience of explanation, only the portion A in FIG. 3 of the upper cover 20 will be described below, but the same applies to the other portions of the upper cover 20 other than the portion A in FIG. 3.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper cover 20 is provided at portion A in FIG. 3 with five connector portions 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e as the plurality of connector portions 22. Each connector portion 22 includes a cylindrical portion 23 extending upward (toward the outside of the electrical junction box 1) from the base portion 21. The cylindrical portion 23 is a so-called hood portion and has a shape that allows the mating connector 2 to be inserted therein. Each cylindrical portion 23 houses a metal terminal (not shown) electrically connected to a corresponding electronic component mounted on the circuit board 10. Each cylindrical portion 23 is a portion into which the mating connector 2 is mated, and is watertightly matable with the mating connector 2 and has a waterproof function that can prevent water from entering from the outside when mated with the mating connector 2. Specifically, each cylindrical portion 23 is fitted with, for example, a rubber packing (not shown) for sealing an annular gap between the cylindrical portion 23 and the mating connector 2.

[0018] Each cylindrical portion 23 is provided with a protrusion 24 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (toward the outside of the cylinder) from a vertical portion of the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical portion 23 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9). The protrusion 24 is, for example, a locking protrusion for engaging the mating connector 2, or a lever shaft for engaging a lever of the mating connector 2. Specifically, one protrusion 24 is provided on each cylindrical portion 23 of the connector portions 22a, 22b, 22d, and 22e, and two protrusions 24 are provided on the cylindrical portion 23 of the connector portion 22c.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 5, die-cutting holes 25 are provided in the base portion 21 at positions corresponding to the protrusions 24 of the multiple connector portions 22 in the vertical direction (the direction in which the connector portions 22 extend). The die-cutting holes 25 are provided to deal with so-called undercut portions (see portion z in Figs. 8 and 9 ) that occur during die-cutting due to the presence of the protrusions 24. Specifically, one die-cutting hole 25a is provided corresponding to one protrusion 24 of connector portion 22a, one die-cutting hole 25b is provided corresponding to one protrusion 24 of connector portion 22b, two die-cutting holes 25c are provided corresponding to two protrusions 24 of connector portion 22c, one die-cutting hole 25d is provided corresponding to one protrusion 24 of connector portion 22d, and one die-cutting hole 25e is provided corresponding to one protrusion 24 of connector portion 22e.

[0020] If a so-called slide core is used when molding the upper cover 20, undercut portions can be addressed without the need for such die-cut holes. However, in this case, space is required for sliding the slide core in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, which results in the need to increase the distance between adjacent connector portions 22. In this example, by providing die-cut holes 25 corresponding to each of the protruding portions 24 of the multiple connector portions 22 as described above, it is no longer necessary to use a slide core to prevent undercut portions, and the distance between adjacent connector portions 22 can be reduced. In other words, compared to when a slide core is used, the multiple connector portions 22 can be arranged more closely together, and the upper cover 20 (i.e., the electrical junction box 1) can be made smaller.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, a rubber water stop valve 50 is fitted into each of the multiple die-cut holes 25 provided in the base portion 21. As a result, even without providing a waterproof cover as in conventional electrical junction boxes, the above-mentioned waterproof function of each connector portion 22 (specifically, tubular portion 23) and the water stop valves 50 fitted into each die-cut hole 25 of the base portion 21 can prevent water from entering from the outside to the inside of the electrical junction box 1, for example, during high-pressure cleaning of the engine compartment of a vehicle where the upper cover 20 is exposed. Furthermore, since a waterproof cover is not required, the electrical junction box 1 can be made smaller.

[0022] In this example, some of the multiple die-cut holes 25 provided in the base portion 21 have shapes that are independent of the shapes of the corresponding protrusions 24. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, die-cut holes 25a, 25b, and 25c have a common shape, but the size of each of die-cut holes 25a and 25b is larger than the appropriate (minimum necessary) size for dealing with undercut portions that occur during die-cutting due to the presence of the corresponding protrusions 24, and die-cut hole 25c has the appropriate (minimum necessary) size for dealing with undercut portions that occur during die-cutting due to the presence of the corresponding protrusions 24. In other words, die-cut hole 25c has a shape that is dependent on the shape of the corresponding protrusions 24, and die-cut holes 25a and 25b have shapes that are independent of the shape of the corresponding protrusions 24. Similarly, die-cut holes 25d and 25e have a common shape that is smaller than the common shape of die-cut holes 25a, 25b, and 25c, but the size of die-cut hole 25d is larger than the appropriate (minimum necessary) size for preventing the occurrence of undercut portions during die-cutting due to the presence of the corresponding protrusion 24, and the size of die-cut hole 25e is the appropriate (minimum necessary) size for preventing the occurrence of undercut portions during die-cutting due to the presence of the corresponding protrusion 24. In other words, die-cut hole 25e has a shape that depends on the shape of the corresponding protrusion 24, and die-cut hole 25d has a shape that does not depend on the shape of the corresponding protrusion 24.

[0023] This allows the stop valves 50 to be standardized to two types: a larger stop valve 50A that corresponds to the common shape of the cut holes 25a, 25b, and 25c, and a smaller stop valve 50B that corresponds to the common shape of the cut holes 25d and 25e, compared to when different shapes of cut holes 25 are provided for each shape of the protrusion 24 and multiple types of stop valves 50 are prepared to correspond to the cut holes 25. As a result, the burden of managing the product numbers of the stop valves 50 can be reduced. Note that while this example illustrates standardization for two types of stop valves 50A and 50B, it may also be standardized for three or more types of stop valves.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the stop valve 50 (50A, 50B) is composed of a substantially rectangular, flat base 51, a protrusion 52 protruding upward from the base 51, and a locking portion 53 protruding laterally from the side of the protrusion 52. As shown in FIG. 8 , the stop valve 50A is fitted from below into each of the commonly shaped die-cut holes 25a, 25b, and 25c, such that the opening edge of the die-cut hole 25 is positioned between the base 51 and the locking portion 53. As shown in FIG. 9 , the stop valve 50B is fitted from below into each of the commonly shaped die-cut holes 25d and 25e, such that the opening edge of the die-cut hole 25 is positioned between the base 51 and the locking portion 53. This allows the two types of stop valves 50 (50A, 50B) to seal all of the die-cut holes 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e.

[0025] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to the electrical junction box 1 of this embodiment, the connector portion 22 provided on the upper cover 20 is watertightly mated with the mating connector 2, thereby providing a waterproof function that prevents water from entering the housing space. Furthermore, the connector portion 22 has a cylindrical portion 23 extending outward from the plate-shaped base portion 21 and a protruding portion 24 protruding from the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion 23 toward the outside of the cylinder. The base portion 21 has a die-cut hole 25 in the protruding portion 24 and a water stop valve 50 fitted into the die-cut hole 25. By assembling the upper cover 20 and the lower cover 30 to accommodate electronic components, bus bars, etc. in the housing space and mating the mating connector 2 with the connector portion 22 of the upper cover 20, water can be prevented from entering the housing space without a waterproof cover like in conventional electrical junction boxes. Furthermore, since a waterproof cover is not required, the electrical junction box 1 can be made smaller. Therefore, the electrical junction box 1 of this embodiment can be made smaller while still maintaining its waterproof function.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the electrical junction box 1 of this embodiment, at least some of the multiple punch holes 25 have a common shape that is not dependent on the shape of the protrusion 24, and at least some of the multiple stop valves 50 have a common shape that corresponds to the common punch holes 25. As a result, compared to a case where punch holes 25 of different shapes are provided for each shape of the protrusion 24 and stop valves 50 that correspond to those punch holes 25 are prepared, the stop valves 50 can be standardized, which reduces the burden of managing the product numbers of the stop valves 50 and reduces the manufacturing costs of the electrical junction box 1.

[0027] <Other aspects> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. are possible as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0028] For example, in the above embodiment, die-cutting holes 25 are provided in the base portion 21 of the upper cover 20 corresponding to the protrusions 24 of all of the connector portions 22 of the upper cover 20. Alternatively, die-cutting holes 25 may be provided in the base portion 21 of the upper cover 20 corresponding to the protrusions 24 of some of all of the connector portions 22 of the upper cover 20.

[0029] Here, the features of the embodiment of the electrical junction box 1 according to the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [2].

[0030] [1] An electrical connection box (1) having an internal storage space, a cover (20) having a plurality of connector portions (22) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the storage space and a plate-shaped base portion (21) on which the plurality of connector portions (22) are provided; and a case (30) to which the cover (20) is attached, Each of the plurality of connector portions (22) is It has a waterproof function that prevents water from entering the housing space by fitting watertightly with the mating connector part (2), At least some of the plurality of connector portions (22) The tubular portion (23) extends outward from the base portion (21), and a protruding portion (24) protrudes outward from the outer surface of the tubular portion (23), The base portion (21) is The faucet has a through hole (25) formed as a die-cut hole in the protruding portion (24) at a position where the protruding portion (24) is projected in the extension direction of the cylindrical portion (23), and a stop valve (50) fitted into the through hole (25). Electrical junction box (1).

[0031] According to the electrical junction box having the configuration [1] above, the connector portion provided on the cover has a waterproof function that prevents water from entering the housing space by mating with the mating connector portion in a watertight manner. Furthermore, the connector portion has a cylindrical portion (e.g., a hood portion into which the mating connector portion is inserted) extending outward from the plate-shaped base portion and a protrusion portion (e.g., a locking protrusion for engaging the mating connector or a lever shaft for engaging a lever of the mating connector) protruding outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The base portion has a through-hole serving as a mold-removal hole for the protrusion portion (i.e., a hole for inserting and removing a mold piece provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion portion to avoid undercuts when manufacturing the cover using a mold), and a water stop valve fitted into the through-hole. This allows the cover and case to be assembled to accommodate electronic components, bus bars, etc. in the housing space, and the mating connector to be mated with the connector portion of the cover, thereby preventing water from entering the housing space without the need for a waterproof cover as in conventional electrical junction boxes. Furthermore, since the waterproof cover is not required, the electrical junction box can be made smaller. Therefore, the electrical junction box of this configuration can be made smaller while still having a waterproof function.

[0032] [2] In the electrical connection box (1) described in [1] above, The base portion (21) has a plurality of the through holes (25) and a plurality of the stop cocks (50), At least some of the plurality of through holes (25) It has a common shape regardless of the shape of the corresponding protrusion (24), At least some of the plurality of stopcocks (50) The through holes (25) have a common shape corresponding to the common shape. Electrical junction box (1).

[0033] According to the electrical junction box of the configuration [2] above, at least some of the plurality of through holes have a common shape that is independent of the shape of the protrusion, and at least some of the plurality of stop valves have a common shape that corresponds to the common through holes. This allows for standardization of stop valves compared to a case where different shapes of through holes are provided for different shapes of protrusions and stop valves of different shapes are prepared for each of those through holes. This reduces the burden of managing the stop valve product numbers and reduces the manufacturing costs of the electrical junction box. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Electrical junction box 2 Mating connector (mating connector part) 20 Upper cover (cover) 21 Base 22 Connector part 23 Cylindrical part 24 protrusion 25 Die-cut holes (through holes) 30 Lower cover (case) 50 Stop valve

Claims

1. An electrical connection box having an internal storage space, a cover having a plurality of connector portions for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the accommodation space and a plate-shaped base portion on which the plurality of connector portions are provided; a case to which the cover is attached, Each of the plurality of connector portions is The connector has a waterproof function of fitting watertightly with the mating connector portion to prevent water from entering the housing space, At least some of the plurality of connector portions a cylindrical portion extending outward from the base portion; and a protruding portion protruding outward from an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion, The base portion is The protrusion has a through hole as a die-cut hole at a position where the protrusion is projected in the extension direction of the cylindrical portion, and a stop valve fitted into the through hole. Electrical junction box.

2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1, The base portion has a plurality of the through holes and a plurality of the stop valves, At least some of the plurality of through holes are have a common shape independent of the shape of the corresponding protrusion, At least some of the plurality of stop valves are a common shape corresponding to the through holes having the common shape; Electrical junction box.

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