Conductor holding structure and electric connection box

Abstract

To provide a conductor holding structure and an electric connection box capable of ensuring an insulation distance between conductors intersecting with each other while achieving efficient arrangement space of the conductors and simplification of a configuration.SOLUTION: A conductor holding structure 3 includes a first conductor 51 and a second conductor 62 disposed so as to intersect the first conductor 51 when viewed along a first direction. In addition, the conductor holding structure 3 includes a third conductor 61 that is electrically connected to the second conductor 62 in a state of overlapping the second conductor 62 when viewed along the first direction, and a holding wall 44 that has electrical insulation and holds the second conductor 62 in a state of straddling the first conductor 51. The second conductor 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state where a moment applied to a connection part 64 with the third conductor 61 is reduced and the insulation distance between the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 62 can be secured without interposing an electrical insulating member therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductor holding structure and an electrical junction box. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional electrical junction box of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the electrical junction box includes an electrically conductive bolted terminal (conductor) that is fastened with a bolt and a nut, and an electrically conductive bus bar (conductor) that is electrically connected to the bolted terminal. Then, the bolt is fastened to the nut with the electrical contact portion of the bolted terminal in surface contact with the electrical contact portion of the bus bar, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the bolted terminal (conductor) and the bus bar (conductor). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-253910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, in conventional technology, conductors are connected to each other by overlapping them and fastening them with bolts and nuts. In this case, if the center of gravity of one conductor is located away from the fastened part, a relatively large moment is applied to the fastened part between the conductors, causing fatigue of the conductors. In order to reduce such fatigue of the conductors, it is possible to extend the other conductor toward the center of gravity of one conductor to reduce the moment applied to the fastened part between the conductors.

[0005] However, if the other conductor is extended toward the center of gravity of one conductor, the arrangement space for the other conductor becomes larger, making it difficult to efficiently utilize the conductor arrangement space. Therefore, it is preferable to make it possible to efficiently utilize the conductor arrangement space.

[0006] Furthermore, when an electrical junction box has multiple circuits, the conductors of one circuit may be arranged so as to straddle the conductors of the other circuit for reasons such as miniaturization of the electrical junction box. That is, the conductors of one circuit may be arranged so that they intersect with the conductors of the other circuit when viewed from one direction. In this case, it is preferable to ensure the insulation distance between the intersecting conductors without complicating the configuration.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conductor holding structure and an electrical junction box that can ensure an insulation distance between intersecting conductors while efficiently utilizing the conductor placement space and simplifying the configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A conductor holding structure according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first conductor, a second conductor arranged to intersect with the first conductor when viewed along a first direction, a third conductor electrically connected to the second conductor while overlapping with the second conductor when viewed along the first direction, and a holding wall having electrical insulation properties and holding the second conductor while straddling the first conductor, wherein the second conductor is held by the holding wall in a state that reduces the moment applied to the connection portion with the third conductor while ensuring an insulating distance between the first conductor and the second conductor without interposing an electrically insulating member therebetween.

[0009] An electrical junction box according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the conductor holding structure according to the first aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a conductor holding structure and an electrical connection box that can ensure an insulation distance between intersecting conductors while improving the efficiency of conductor placement space and simplifying the configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an electrical junction box according to one embodiment is attached to a mounting member. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical junction box according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the cover of the electrical junction box according to the embodiment is removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a conductor holding structure is removed from a case of an electrical junction box according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a conductor holding structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the conductor holding structure according to one embodiment, seen from the back side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly method for a conductor holding structure according to an embodiment, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the first conductor and the third conductor are attached to the base. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly method for a conductor holding structure according to an embodiment, and is a plan view showing a state in which the first conductor and the third conductor are attached to the base. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for assembling a conductor holding structure according to one embodiment, and is an oblique view showing the state in which the second conductor and the fourth conductor are inserted into the bolt portion of the base to which the first conductor and the third conductor are attached. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an assembly method for a conductor holding structure according to one embodiment, and is a plan view showing the state in which the second conductor and the fourth conductor are inserted into the bolt portion of the base to which the first conductor and the third conductor are attached. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a holding wall of a conductor holding structure according to one embodiment holds a second conductor. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The conductor holding structure and the electrical junction box according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of convenience and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0013] In the following, when describing each component of the electrical junction box, the vertical direction of the electrical junction box is defined as the state where the side to be mounted on a mounting member such as a vehicle body panel faces downward. Specifically, the vertical direction of the electrical junction box when placed so that the side to be mounted on a mounting member such as a vehicle body panel faces downward is defined as the Z direction (first direction). The longitudinal direction of the electrical junction box is defined as the X direction (second direction), and the lateral direction of the electrical junction box is defined as the Y direction (third direction).

[0014] The electrical connection box 1 according to this embodiment is also called a junction box, relay box, fuse box, or electronic control unit box, and is a device that is mounted on a vehicle or the like and has the function of distributing power.

[0015] 1 and 2, the electrical junction box 1 includes a housing 2 that forms the outer shell of the electrical junction box 1, and a conductor holding structure 3 is housed in the internal space of the housing 2. The housing 2 housing the conductor holding structure 3 is then fixed to a mounting member P such as a body panel by screws or the like, so that the electrical junction box 1 can be mounted on a vehicle or the like.

[0016] The housing 2 can be formed using a metal material such as aluminum, and includes a case 21 that opens upward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and can accommodate the conductor holding structure 3, and a cover 22 that is positioned above the case 21 and covers the opening of the case 21.

[0017] The case 21 also includes a bottom wall 211 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a peripheral wall 212 extending upward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) from the periphery (four sides) of the bottom wall 211. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 212 has wall portions extending in the Y direction (short-side direction: third direction) on both sides of the X direction (longitudinal direction: second direction), each of which has a notch 2121 formed therein so as to open upward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). An electric wire 521 for supplying current and an electric wire 621 for control, which will be described later, are adapted to be drawn out of the housing 2 through the notch 2121. A spacer 213 is also formed in the case 21, and the conductor holding structure 3 is housed in the case 21 (housing 2) with its position determined by the spacer 213.

[0018] 3 to 6, the conductor holding structure 3 includes a base 4, and a plurality of conductors are placed on the base 4 with corresponding conductors electrically connected to each other. These conductors constitute a part of various circuits provided in vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), etc. Examples of such circuits include a current-carrying circuit 5 that has the function of distributing current supplied from a power supply unit such as a battery or an alternator, and a control circuit 6 provided in a vehicle control device.

[0019] In this embodiment, an energization bus bar (first conductor) 51 and an energization wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52, which constitute a part of an energization circuit 5 having a function of distributing current supplied from a power supply unit such as a battery or an alternator, are mounted on the base 4. Also mounted on the base 4 are a control bus bar (third conductor) 61 and a control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62, which constitute a part of a control circuit 6 having a function of supplying electric signals to various electronic devices provided in a vehicle control device.

[0020] The base 4 includes a bottom wall 41, a peripheral wall 42 extending upward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) from the periphery of the bottom wall 41, and a partition wall 43 that separates the current supply circuit 5 and the control circuit 6 and prevents interference between the current supply circuit 5 and the control circuit 6.

[0021] The base 4 also includes a conductor support portion 45 for placing the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 on the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 in a state where the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is prevented from slipping out. In this embodiment, the conductor support portion 45 includes a support rib 451 that protrudes upward from the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41, and a support piece 452 that is connected to the upper end of the support rib 451 so as to face downward and that can elastically deform along the surface 41a relative to the support rib 451. A hook portion 4521 that can restrict the upward movement of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is formed on the lower end of the support piece 452.

[0022] Similarly, the base 4 includes a conductor support portion 46 for placing the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 on the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 in a state where the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is prevented from slipping out. The conductor support portion 46 also includes a support rib 461 protruding upward from the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41, and a support piece 462 that is connected to the upper end of the support rib 461 so as to face downward and that can elastically deform along the surface 41a relative to the support rib 461. A hook portion 4621 that can restrict the upward movement of the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is formed on the lower end of the support piece 462.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 4 includes a bolt portion 47 for electrically connecting the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52. The base 4 also includes a bolt portion 48 for electrically connecting the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0024] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 41, the peripheral wall 42, the partition wall 43, the conductor support portion 45, the conductor support portion 46, the bolt portion 47, and the bolt portion 48 are integrally formed using an electrically insulating resin material. Note that the conductor support portions 45, 46 and the bolt portions 47, 48 may be formed from separate members from the bottom wall 41.

[0025] The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 includes a one-side flat portion 511 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41) and an other-side flat portion 512 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41). The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 also includes a bent portion 513 connected to the one-side flat portion 511 and the other-side flat portion 512 and bent downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). The one-side flat portion 511 and the other-side flat portion 512 are each formed with an insertion hole 5111 and an insertion hole 5121 that penetrate in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 47 is inserted.

[0026] The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 having such a configuration can be formed, for example, by punching a single piece of conductive metal plate so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and then appropriately subjecting this punched product to plastic processing such as bending.

[0027] On the other hand, the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 has a flat portion 611 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41). An insertion hole 6111 is formed in the flat portion 611 so as to penetrate in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 48 is inserted.

[0028] The control bus bar (third conductor) 61 having such a configuration can be formed, for example, by punching out a single conductive metal plate so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape.

[0029] Moreover, the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52 includes an electric wire 521 electrically connected to an external connection member, and an electric wire crimp terminal 522 electrically connected to the electric wire 521. The electric wire 521 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 5211 and an electrically insulating coating portion (conductor coating portion) 5212 that covers the core wire 5211. At least the core wire 5211 of the electric wire 521 is crimped and fixed to the electric wire crimp portion 5221 of the electric wire crimp terminal 522, thereby forming the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52.

[0030] The electric wire crimp terminal 522 includes a connection portion 5222 that is connected to the electric wire crimping portion 5221 and electrically connected to the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51. The connection portion 5222 is formed with an insertion hole 52221 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 47 is inserted.

[0031] Then, while the bolt portion 47 is inserted through the insertion holes 5111 and 5121 of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51, the bolt portion 47 is also inserted through the insertion holes 52221 of the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52. Thereafter, the nut 53 is fastened to the bolt portion 47, so that the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52 are fastened in a state of contact with each other. In this manner, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52 are electrically connected to each other.

[0032] Similarly, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 includes an electric wire 621 electrically connected to an external connection member, and an electric wire crimp terminal 622 electrically connected to the electric wire 621. The electric wire 621 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 6211 and an electrically insulating coating portion (conductor coating portion) 6212 that covers the core wire 6211. At least the core wire 6211 of the electric wire 621 is crimped and fixed to the electric wire crimp portion 6221 of the electric wire crimp terminal 622, thereby forming the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0033] The electric wire crimping terminal 622 is provided with a connecting portion 6222 that is connected to the electric wire crimping portion 6221 and electrically connected to the control bus bar (third conductor) 61. The connecting portion 6222 is formed with an insertion hole 62221 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 48 is inserted.

[0034] Then, while the bolt portion 48 is inserted through the insertion hole 6111 of the control bus bar (third conductor) 61, the bolt portion 48 is also inserted through the insertion hole 62221 of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. Thereafter, the nut 63 is fastened to the bolt portion 48, so that the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are fastened in a contacting state. In this way, the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are electrically connected.

[0035] The conductor holding structure 3 having such a configuration can be formed, for example, by the method described below.

[0036] First, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 are placed on the base 4.

[0037] Specifically, the bolt portion 47 is inserted from above through the insertion holes 5111 and 5121 of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51, and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is moved so as to be pushed downward. At this time, the support piece 452 of the conductor support portion 45 is elastically deformed relative to the support rib 451, and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is pushed downward until it contacts the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41. In this way, the support piece 452 returns to its original position by an elastic restoring force, and the hook portion 4521 of the support piece 452 prevents the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 from coming out of the bolt portion 47.

[0038] Similarly, the bolt portion 48 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 6111 of the control bus bar (third conductor) 61, and the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is moved so as to be pushed downward. At this time, the support piece 462 of the conductor support portion 46 is elastically deformed relative to the support rib 461, and the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is pushed downward until it contacts the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41. In this way, the support piece 462 returns to its original position by elastic restoring force, and the hook portion 4621 of the support piece 462 prevents the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 from coming out of the bolt portion 48.

[0039] Next, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are placed on the base 4 on which the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 are placed.

[0040] Specifically, the bolt portion 47 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 52221 of the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52, and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 52 is stacked on the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51.

[0041] Similarly, the bolt portion 48 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 62221 of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62, and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is stacked on the control bus bar (third conductor) 61.

[0042] Then, by fastening nuts 53 to bolt portions 47, current-carrying bus bars (first conductors) 51 and current-carrying electric wire crimp terminals (fourth conductors) 52 are electrically connected to each other. In addition, by fastening nuts 63 to bolt portions 48, control bus bars (third conductors) 61 and control wire crimp terminals (second conductors) 62 are electrically connected to each other.

[0043] In this way, the conductor holding structure 3 is formed.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second conductor is exemplified by a control wire crimp terminal 62 formed by electrically connecting a wire crimp terminal 622 to an electric wire 621. Then, in a state where the control wire crimp terminal 62 is overlapped on a control bus bar 61 serving as a third conductor, a nut 63 is fastened to the bolt portion 48, thereby electrically connecting the control wire crimp terminal 62 and the control bus bar 61.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, the control wire crimp terminal 62 formed by electrically connecting the wire crimp terminal 622 to the electric wire 621 is used as the second conductor. Therefore, the center of gravity of the control wire crimp terminal 62 is located at a position (a position on the electric wire 621 side) away from the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with the control bus bar 61, and there is a risk that a relatively large moment will be applied to the fastening portion (connection portion) 64. If a relatively large moment is applied to the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 in this way, there is a risk that the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 will become fatigued.

[0046] Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the moment applied to the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 between the control bus bar 61 and the control electric wire crimp terminal 62. At this time, it is also preferable to make the arrangement space for the conductors more efficient.

[0047] In this embodiment, a portion of each of a plurality of circuits is formed in the conductor holding structure 3, and for reasons such as miniaturization of the electrical junction box 1, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is arranged to straddle the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51. In other words, in a plan view of the conductor holding structure 3 (when the conductor holding structure 3 is viewed from the first direction), the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 are arranged to intersect.

[0048] Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in a state where an insulation distance can be secured between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51. In this case, it is preferable to secure an insulation distance between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51, which intersect with each other, without complicating the configuration.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the efficiency of the conductor placement space is improved and the configuration of the conductor holding structure 3 is simplified, while ensuring the insulation distance between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51, which intersect with each other.

[0050] Specifically, the conductor holding structure 3 has an electrically insulating holding wall 44 that holds the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 in a state in which it straddles (intersects three-dimensionally with) the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51. The control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state in which the moment acting on the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is reduced.

[0051] This reduces the moment acting on the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 without extending the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 toward the center of gravity of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the arrangement space for the conductors (first to fourth conductors in this embodiment), and for example, makes it possible to arrange more members such as conductors and electronic components in an electric junction box 1 of a given size.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retaining wall 44 includes a first retaining wall 441 located on one side of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. The retaining wall 44 includes a second retaining wall 442 located on the other side of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. In other words, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is arranged between the first retaining wall 441 and the second retaining wall 442.

[0053] This makes it possible to more reliably arrange current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 51 in a predetermined position. That is, it is possible to more reliably prevent current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 51 from being arranged in an incorrect position or from riding up onto retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 or second retaining wall 442).

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state in which an insulation distance can be secured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. The insulation distance can be secured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 without interposing an electrical insulating member between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0055] That is, an insulation distance can be ensured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 without interposing an electrically insulating member such as a resin partition therebetween. In other words, a predetermined insulation distance can be ensured in terms of the linear distance between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0056] Specifically, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is made to cross the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 at a portion where the bent portion 513 is formed. This increases the linear distance between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. At this time, by adjusting the height of the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) that retains the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62, an insulation distance between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 can be ensured.

[0057] In this embodiment, the bent portion 513 includes a pair of inclined walls 5132 connected to the one-side flat portion 511 and the other-side flat portion 512, respectively, and a back wall 5131 connecting the lower ends of the pair of inclined walls 5132. A protrusion 411 is provided on the bottom wall 41 of the base 4 so as to protrude downward, and the back wall 5131 of the bent portion 513 is accommodated within the accommodation space S1 defined by the protrusion 411. The retaining walls 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) are formed so that their upper ends protrude above the surface 41a of the bottom wall 41, and the electric wire 621 of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by the upper ends of the retaining walls 44. The lower end of the electric wire 621 is positioned at the same level as or higher than the upper surfaces of the one-side flat portion 511 and the other-side flat portion 512. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure a predetermined insulation distance between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 in terms of the linear distance.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, by extending the upper and lower ends of the retaining wall 44 in the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction), an insulation distance can be ensured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. In other words, by adjusting the height of the retaining wall 44, an insulation distance can be ensured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. For this reason, it is possible to extend only the upper end of the retaining wall 44 in the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction), or it is also possible to extend only the lower end of the retaining wall 44 in the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction).

[0059] This makes it possible to ensure an insulation distance between the current-carrying bus bar 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal 62 without using an electrically insulating member such as a resin partition. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the configuration of the conductor holding structure 3 (electrical junction box 1). Furthermore, by adjusting the height of the holding wall 44, it is possible to ensure an insulation distance between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62, which has the advantage of further improving the degree of freedom in designing the insulation distance.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the first retaining wall 441 is formed near one end 513a of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. The second retaining wall 442 is formed near the other end 513b of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. That is, when viewed along the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction), the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) is located inside the region where the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 intersect.

[0061] In this way, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 is positioned by the first holding wall 441 and the second holding wall 442. In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 from being misaligned.

[0062] In this way, in the conductor holding structure 3 shown in this embodiment, the holding wall 44 has multiple functions. Therefore, with the conductor holding structure 3 shown in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure an insulating distance between intersecting conductors while improving the efficiency of the conductor arrangement space and simplifying the configuration.

[0063] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the conductor holding structure and the electrical junction box shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby.

[0064] The conductor holding structure 3 shown in the above embodiment includes a current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and a control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 that is arranged to intersect with the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 when viewed along the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction). The conductor holding structure 3 also includes a control bus bar (third conductor) 61 that is electrically connected to the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 while overlapping the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 when viewed along the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction). The conductor holding structure 3 also includes an electrically insulating holding wall 44 that holds the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 while straddling the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51.

[0065] The control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state in which the moment acting on the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is reduced. Furthermore, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state in which an insulating distance can be secured between the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 without interposing an electrically insulating member therebetween.

[0066] As described above, the conductor holding structure 3 shown in the above embodiment is provided with holding wall 44 that has electrical insulation and holds control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 in a state where it straddles current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51. Then, control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is held by holding wall 44 in a state where the moment applied to fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with control bus bar (third conductor) 61 is reduced.

[0067] This makes it possible to reduce the moment acting on the fastening portion (connection portion) 64 with the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 without extending the control bus bar (third conductor) 61 toward the center of gravity of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the arrangement space for the conductors (first to fourth conductors in this embodiment), and for example, it becomes possible to arrange more members such as conductors and electronic components in a given space.

[0068] Furthermore, in the conductor holding structure 3 shown in the above embodiment, the control wire crimp terminal 62 is held by the holding wall 44 in a state in which an insulating distance can be secured between the current-carrying bus bar 51 and the control wire crimp terminal 62 without interposing an electrically insulating member therebetween.

[0069] This makes it possible to ensure an insulation distance between the current-carrying bus bar 51 and the control electric wire crimp terminal 62 without using an electrically insulating member such as a resin partition, which results in a simplified configuration of the conductor holding structure 3 (electrical junction box 1).

[0070] In this way, in the conductor holding structure 3 shown in the above embodiment, multiple functions are provided to the holding wall 44. Therefore, with the conductor holding structure 3 shown in the above embodiment, it is possible to ensure an insulating distance between intersecting conductors while improving the efficiency of the conductor arrangement space and simplifying the configuration.

[0071] Furthermore, the retaining wall 44 may include a first retaining wall 441 located on one side of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. The retaining wall 44 may also include a second retaining wall 442 located on the other side of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0072] In this way, by arranging the current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 51 between the first retaining wall 441 and the second retaining wall 442, it becomes possible to more reliably arrange the current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 51 in a predetermined position. In other words, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the current-carrying busbar (first conductor) 51 from being arranged in an incorrect position or from riding up onto the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 or second retaining wall 442).

[0073] Furthermore, first retaining wall 441 may be formed in the vicinity of one end 513a of current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. Then, second retaining wall 442 may be formed in the vicinity of the other end 513b of current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 in the extension direction of control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. That is, retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) may be located inside a region where current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 and control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 intersect when viewed along the Z direction (first direction: up-down direction).

[0074] In this way, the position of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 can be determined by the first retaining wall 441 and the second retaining wall 442, and therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 51 from becoming misaligned.

[0075] Moreover, the electrical junction box 1 shown in the above embodiment includes the conductor holding structure 3 described above.

[0076] In this way, it is possible to obtain an electric junction box 1 that can ensure an insulation distance between conductors that intersect with each other while improving the efficiency of the conductor arrangement space and simplifying the configuration.

[0077] [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.

[0078] For example, in the above embodiment, the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) is molded integrally with the base 4, but it may be a retaining wall separate from the base. It is also possible to provide the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) directly on the housing 2 of the electrical junction box 1. In this case, the retaining wall 44 (first retaining wall 441 and second retaining wall 442) may be molded integrally with the housing 2, or may be formed separately from the housing 2. It is also possible to form the retaining wall 44 in a variety of shapes.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example of a conductor holding structure 3 having multiple circuits, which includes a current-carrying circuit 5 and a control circuit 6, is given, but the conductor holding structure 3 may also be one having multiple current-carrying circuits 5, or one having multiple control circuits 6.

[0080] In addition, the specifications of the base, housing, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Electrical junction box 3 Conductor retention structure 44 Retaining wall 441 1st retaining wall 442 2nd retaining wall 51 Current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513a one end 513b other end 61 Control bus bar (third conductor) 62 Control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 64 Fastening part (connection part)

Claims

1. a first conductor; a second conductor disposed so as to intersect with the first conductor when viewed along a first direction; a third conductor that overlaps the second conductor and is electrically connected to the second conductor when viewed in the first direction; a holding wall having electrical insulation properties and holding the second conductor in a state of straddling the first conductor; Equipped with the second conductor is held by the holding wall in a state in which a moment applied to a connection portion with the third conductor is reduced and an insulation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor can be ensured without interposing an electrical insulating member therebetween. Conductor retention structure.

2. The holding wall includes a first holding wall located on one side of the first conductor in the extension direction of the second conductor, and a second holding wall located on the other side of the first conductor in the extension direction of the second conductor. The conductor holding structure according to claim 1 .

3. the first holding wall is formed in the vicinity of one end of the first conductor in an extension direction of the second conductor, the second holding wall is formed in the vicinity of the other end of the first conductor in the extension direction of the second conductor; The conductor holding structure according to claim 2 .

4. The conductor holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided. Electrical junction box.

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