Electric connection box

Abstract

To provide an electric connection box capable of preventing trapping of heat from a contact part while covering the contact part of an electronic component to prevent exposure of the contact part.SOLUTION: An electric connection box provided with a housing in which a relay 400 that heats up when energized is installed, has a cover member 40 that covers around a terminal 405 including the terminal 405 installed on one surface 401 of the relay 400. The cover member 40 has a first vent hole 42 that ventilates an inside and outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical junction box including electronic components. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric junction box equipped with electronic components such as fuses and relays is mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] The electrical connection box has a housing, which, for example, consists of a first case having an open side on which the electronic components are mounted, and a second case that covers the open side of the first case (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-208561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when an electronic component such as a relay is activated, a large current flows through it. Therefore, if an operator touches the contacts of the relay, they may receive an electric shock. To address this issue, the contacts of the relay can be covered with a cover member to prevent problems such as electric shock.

[0006] On the other hand, since a large current flows through the relay, heat is generated in the relay and its contacts. However, when the relay contacts are covered with a cover as described above, the heat tends to build up inside the cover. That is, the air inside the cover absorbs heat from the relay and its contacts and moves away, but the cover prevents the heat from being released to the outside, causing the hot air to stagnate inside the cover. If heat builds up inside the cover, the cover and surrounding insulating resin parts may melt and be damaged, resulting in a loss of insulation and the risk of a short circuit or other malfunction.

[0007] However, the electrical junction box of Patent Document 1 does not take such problems into consideration and is unable to solve them.

[0008] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electrical connection box that can cover the contact points of electronic components to prevent the contact points from being exposed, while also preventing heat from building up from the contact points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electrical connection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrical connection box having a housing in which electronic components that generate heat when energized are mounted, and is provided with a cover member that covers the periphery of the terminals, including terminals mounted on the side surfaces of the electronic components, and the cover member has an air vent that allows ventilation between the inside and outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to cover the contact portions of the electronic component to prevent the contact portions from being exposed, while also preventing heat from building up from the contact portions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view of an electrical junction box according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a state in which a cover member is attached in the electrical junction box of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing the electrical junction box of the first embodiment with a cover member removed. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a clamping mechanism in a state where a cover member is attached in the electrical junction box of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view taken along arrow VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a clamping mechanism in the electrical junction box of the first embodiment with a cover member removed. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the electrical junction box of the first embodiment, with the cover member and the rectangular plate portion of the mounting seat omitted. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cover member of the electrical junction box of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cover member of the electrical junction box of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cover member of the electrical junction box of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cover member of the electrical junction box of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Description of the embodiment of the present invention] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0013] (1) An electrical connection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrical connection box having a housing in which electronic components that generate heat when energized are mounted, and a cover member that covers the periphery of the terminals, including terminals mounted on the sides of the electronic components, and the cover member has an air vent that allows air to circulate between the inside and outside.

[0014] In this embodiment, the cover member covers the periphery of the terminals, including the terminals provided on the side surfaces of the electronic components, and the vent holes of the cover member allow ventilation between the inside and outside of the cover member, thereby covering the contact portions of the electronic components and preventing the contact portions from being exposed, and also preventing heat from the contact portions from building up inside the cover member.

[0015] (2) In an embodiment of the electrical connection box of the present disclosure, the electronic component is mounted on a base provided on the housing, the cover member includes an opposing plate arranged opposite the side of the electronic component, and an electric shock prevention plate provided on the edge of the opposing plate spaced apart from the housing and shielding the gap between the opposing plate and the side to prevent electric shock, and the ventilation hole includes a first ventilation hole formed in the electric shock prevention plate.

[0016] In this embodiment, the electric shock suppression plate shields the gap between the opposing plate of the cover member and the side surface of the electronic component to suppress electric shock, and the first ventilation hole formed in the electric shock suppression plate ventilates the inside and outside of the cover member, thereby covering the contact parts of the electronic component and suppressing electric shock due to the exposure of the contact parts, while preventing heat from the contact parts from building up inside the cover member.

[0017] (3) In the electrical junction box according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ventilation hole is formed in one edge portion of the electric shock prevention plate near the side surface of the electronic component.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first ventilation hole is formed on one edge of the electronic component near the side surface. In other words, the first ventilation hole is formed above the contact portion of the electronic component, i.e., in the path of rising air that has absorbed heat from the contact portion and become hot. This allows hot air to be quickly released to the outside of the cover member, preventing heat from the contact portion from building up inside the cover member.

[0019] (4) In the electrical junction box according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the vent hole includes a second vent hole formed in the electric shock prevention plate away from the one edge portion.

[0020] In this embodiment, in addition to the first ventilation hole, the second ventilation hole is formed in the electric shock prevention plate at a position away from the one edge, so that the high-temperature air inside the cover member can be more quickly released to the outside of the cover member, and heat from the contact portion can be more effectively prevented from being trapped inside the cover member.

[0021] (5) In the electrical junction box according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vent hole has a comb shape that opens toward the other edge portion opposite the one edge portion.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first ventilation hole is comb-shaped and opens toward the other edge portion opposite the one edge portion, thereby preventing electric shock due to exposure of the contact portions of the electronic components and enlarging the ventilation hole that releases high-temperature air inside the cover member to the outside of the cover member.

[0023] (6) In the electrical junction box according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the vent includes a third vent formed in the opposing plate.

[0024] In this embodiment, the third vent hole is formed in the opposing plate of the cover member, and therefore outside air flows into the cover member through the third vent hole, shortening the air circulation that ventilates the inside and outside of the cover member, thereby improving the efficiency of heat dissipation by releasing the high-temperature air inside the cover member to the outside.

[0025] (7) In an electrical connection box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base is provided with a clamping mechanism that clamps the opposing plate, and the opposing plate has an engaging protrusion that engages with an engaging portion formed on the clamping mechanism.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the cover member is attached, the clamping mechanism clamps the opposing plate of the cover member, and the engaging protrusion of the opposing plate engages with the engaging portion of the clamping mechanism, thereby preventing unintentional removal of the cover member.

[0027] [Details of the embodiment of the present invention] An electrical junction box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box 100 according to embodiment 1, and Fig. 2 is a plan view and a side view of the electrical junction box 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2A is a plan view of the electrical junction box 100, and Fig. 2B is a side view of the electrical junction box 100. The electrical junction box 100 is attached to the outside of an object to be attached, such as a battery pack 200 (see FIG. 2) of an EV (Electric Vehicle). For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2B shows the electrical junction box 100 attached to the battery pack 200.

[0029] The electrical junction box 100 includes a housing 50 in which, for example, fuses, circuit boards, etc. are provided. The housing 50 is flat and has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, with one corner of one longitudinal end portion cut out in a stepped shape. The housing 50 is made of, for example, resin, and is composed of a lower case 30 that is attached to the attachment object, and an upper case 20 that covers the lower case 30. For the sake of convenience in the following description, the upper case 20 side will be referred to as the top, and the lower case 30 side will be referred to as the bottom. It will be explained below.

[0030] The lower case 30 is shaped like a box with one side open facing the upper case 20. The upper case 20 is also shaped like a box with one side open facing the lower case 30. The upper case 20 is slightly larger than the lower case 30 in both the lengthwise dimension and the widthwise dimension perpendicular to the lengthwise direction, and covers the lower case 30.

[0031] The lower case 30 has a bottom wall 31 whose outer surface contacts the attachment object, and a side wall 33 extending perpendicularly from the edge of the bottom wall 31 toward the upper case 20 .

[0032] The upper case 20 has a ceiling wall 21 that faces the bottom wall 31 of the lower case 30, and side walls 22 that are attached to the edges of the ceiling wall 21 and extend perpendicularly toward the lower case 30. The upper case 20 is provided with fastening portions 23 at both ends and the middle in the length direction for attaching the housing 50 to the attachment object.

[0033] More specifically, the fastening portions 23 are provided at both corners of one end in the length direction, and at both corners and between the corners of the other end. Furthermore, in the middle of the length direction of the upper case 20, three fastening portions 23 are provided side by side in the width direction. Each fastening portion 23 protrudes from the inner surface of the top wall 21 facing the bottom wall 31, and the other fastening portions 23, except for one fastening portion 23 located approximately in the center of the top wall 21, are provided near the side walls 22 (see FIG. 2A).

[0034] Each fastening portion 23 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is open on the side facing the ceiling wall 21. A through-hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom of each fastening portion 23 and is used to attach the housing 50 to the attachment target. The housing 50 (electrical junction box 100) can be attached to the attachment target by inserting a screw from the attachment target into the through-hole of the fastening portion 23 and threading it into a nut (not shown) provided in the fastening portion 23.

[0035] Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 24 are provided on an outer surface 211 of the ceiling wall 21 opposite to the inner surface in order to prevent warping of the ceiling wall 21 due to gravity, differences in thermal expansion, and the like.

[0036] Various connection sections 212 for connection to other devices are provided at multiple locations on the outer surface 211 of the ceiling wall 21. Furthermore, multiple mounting seats 213 (pedestals) for relays 400 (electronic components) are provided approximately in the center of the outer surface 211 of the ceiling wall 21, and the relays 400 are mounted on the respective mounting seats 213.

[0037] A bus bar 500 (described later) is connected to each relay 400. The contact points between the bus bar 500 and the relay 400 are covered by a cover member 40.

[0038] Figure 3 is an enlarged partial oblique view showing the attached state of the cover member 40 in the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 1, and Figure 4 is an enlarged partial oblique view showing the removed state of the cover member 40 in the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 1.

[0039] The mounting seat 213 is a recessed portion having a rectangular shape in a plan view. 1 (see FIG. 8), a plate member is erected upward from each edge of the relay 400. The relay 400 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is attached to the mounting seat 213 from the bottom side, with the top surface 402 exposed. A cover member 40 is attached between the relay 400 and the mounting seat 213.

[0040] The relay 400 has two terminals 405 arranged on one surface 401 (side surface) at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction, and the terminals 405 are connected to bus bars 500, respectively. The terminals 405 have screws on their inner circumferential surfaces. Bus bar 500 has a cylindrical shape with a hole formed in it, only one end of which is exposed from one surface 401, and the remaining part is embedded in relay 400. Bolt 300 is passed through a through hole formed in one end of bus bar 500 and screwed into terminal 405, thereby screwing bus bar 500 to terminal 405. Note that a rectangular shielding plate 406 extending vertically is provided in the center of one surface 401, between two terminals 405.

[0041] Furthermore, the relay 400 has an engaging protrusion 404 protruding from a side surface 403 adjacent to the one surface 401, which is adapted to engage with an engaged portion 220 of the mounting seat 213, which will be described later.

[0042] The mounting seat 213 has a rectangular plate portion 216 facing one surface 401 of the relay 400. The rectangular plate portion 216 has a cutout in the middle corresponding to the terminal 405 of the relay 400, excluding both lateral end portions 216a. An engagement groove 219 is provided between the both lateral end portions 216a at a position corresponding to the shielding plate 406 of the relay 400. The inside of the engagement groove 219 corresponds to the shape of the shielding plate 406, and engages with the shielding plate 406. The vertical dimension of the engagement groove 219 is shorter than that of the shielding plate 406, and both ends are open. Therefore, the upper end of the shielding plate 406 extends beyond the upper end of the engagement groove 219 (see FIG. 4).

[0043] Each end 216a of the rectangular plate portion 216 is formed with a notch 217 (engagement portion) that engages with an engagement protrusion 45 (described later) of the cover member 40. The notch 217 is a rectangle extending in the vertical direction. The end 216a, together with a clamping pillar 218, constitutes a clamping mechanism 215. The clamping pillar 218 and the clamping mechanism 215 will be described in detail later.

[0044] In the mounting seat 213, an open portion 213a is provided in the horizontal middle of the plate portion adjacent to the rectangular plate portion 216. An engaged portion 220 that engages with the engaging protrusion 404 of the relay 400 is provided in the open portion 213a. The engaged portion 220 has an inverted U-shape. The engagement between the engaged portion 220 and the engaging protrusion 404 holds the relay 400 in the mounting seat 213.

[0045] The mounting seat 213 is provided with clamping mechanisms 215 for clamping the cover member 40 on both ends of the rectangular plate portion 216. As described above, the clamping mechanism 215 is composed of the end portion 216a of the rectangular plate portion 216 and the clamping pillars 218. The two clamping pillars 218 have the same shape.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism 215 with the cover member 40 attached to the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment, Fig. 6 is a view taken along arrow VI in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism 215 with the cover member 40 removed from the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment with the cover member 40 and the rectangular plate portion 216 of the mounting seat 213 omitted. For convenience, Fig. 8 shows a state in which the bolt 300 and the bus bar 500 have been removed.

[0047] Each clamping pillar 218 is provided inside each end 216a, spaced apart from each end 216a, and protrudes from bottom surface 221 of mounting seat 213 (see FIG. 8). Each clamping pillar 218 is a flat, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing that extends vertically and is open on the bottom surface 221 side.

[0048] Both main surfaces of clamping post 218 face end 216a and relay 400. Of these two main surfaces, one of the main surfaces facing relay 400 is open, and has upper end 218c at its top. One end of bus bar 500 is inserted from below between clamping post 218 and one surface 401 of relay 400, and is positioned by upper end 218c (see FIG. 6).

[0049] In addition, the other main surface of the clamping column 218 has a side wall 218b adjacent to each side wall 218b. The urging portion 218a is formed by cutting a notch along the edge of the sidewall 218b and raising it. The lower side of the urging portion 218a is shorter than the sidewall 218b, and the lower end protrudes toward the end 216a. As shown in Fig. 7, the urging portion 218a is disposed at a position corresponding to the notch 217 of the end 216a.

[0050] 9A and 9B are perspective views showing the cover member 40 of the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment. Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing the front side of the cover member 40, and Fig. 9B is a perspective view showing the back side of the cover member 40. The cover member 40 is made of, for example, an insulating material, and covers the contact portion on one surface 401 of the relay 400 as described above. That is, the cover member 40 covers substantially the entire surface 401, including the terminal 405 (bolt 300) of the relay 400 and one end of the bus bar 500 connected to the terminal 405.

[0051] In the attached state, the cover member 40 has an opposing plate 44 that is disposed opposite to and spaced from the one surface 401. The opposing plate 44 is rectangular, and in the attached state, is interposed between the end portion 216a and the clamping column 218 so that both long sides face each other in the vertical direction, and is clamped by the end portion 216a and the clamping column 218.

[0052] As described above, the opposing plate 44 has two engagement protrusions 45 protruding from the front side surface thereof, which engage with the notches 217 of each end portion 216a. Furthermore, the opposing plate 44 has an intermediate portion 46 in the horizontal direction that protrudes outward. The intermediate portion 46 has a substantially C-shape in cross section, and when the cover member 40 is attached, the engagement groove 219 is housed inside the intermediate portion 46.

[0053] Side walls 47 extend from both ends of the opposing plate 44 in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) toward the relay 400 (see FIG. 4). The side walls 47 are rectangular and extend in the vertical direction, and the dimension in the opposing direction between the opposing plate 44 and the one surface 401 (hereinafter simply referred to as the opposing direction) becomes smaller as they approach the bottom end.

[0054] An upper edge plate 41 (electric shock prevention plate) is provided on the upper edge of the facing plate 44, i.e., the edge of the facing plate 44 that is away from the housing 50, and extends toward the relay 400. The upper edge plate 41 is rectangular and extends along the upper edge of the facing plate 44. The upper edge plate 41 shields a gap 600 between the facing plate 44 and one surface 401 of the relay 400. In the facing direction, the dimension of the upper edge plate 41 is larger than the gap 600. Furthermore, the dimension of the upper edge plate 41 is larger than that of the facing plate 44 in the lateral direction.

[0055] Therefore, when the cover member 40 is attached, the upper edge plate 41 has one edge 41a disposed closer to the one surface 401 and the other edge 41b opposed thereto, which protrudes outward beyond the opposing plate 44. In addition, both longitudinal ends of the upper edge plate 41 protrude outward beyond the side walls 47.

[0056] A protrusion 43 is provided in the middle of the upper edge plate 41 in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion 43 is open on one surface 401 side and has a generally C-shape in cross section. When the cover member 40 is attached, the upper end of the shielding plate 406 is housed inside the protrusion 43.

[0057] The upper edge plate 41 also has a first ventilation hole 42 that ventilates the inside and outside of the cover member 40. The first ventilation hole 42 is provided in one edge portion 41a. More specifically, the first ventilation hole 42 is formed by cutting out the middle portion of the edge portion 41a along the edge portion 41a. The first ventilation holes 42 are elongated rectangles, and are provided on both sides of the protrusion 43 on the upper edge plate 41. The first ventilation holes 42 are provided directly above the terminals 405. In the opposing direction, a distance 700 (see FIG. 6) between the first ventilation hole 42 and one surface 401 of the relay 400 is, for example, 2 to 4 mm.

[0058] The installation of the relay 400 in the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment will be described below. do. The operator inserts the cover member 40 (opposing plate 44) between the end portion 216a and the clamping column 218 from the lower end of the opposing plate 44. As the opposing plate 44 moves between the end portion 216a and the clamping column 218, the biasing portion 218a of the clamping column 218 presses the opposing plate 44 toward the end portion 216a (see the solid arrow in FIG. 6). Therefore, the opposing plate 44 moves downward while abutting against the inner surface of the end portion 216a. That is, the engagement protrusion 45 on the front side of the opposing plate 44 moves while abutting against the end portion 216a, and when the engagement protrusion 45 reaches the position of the notch 217 in the end portion 216a, it enters the notch 217 and engages with the notch 217, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0059] When the engaging projection 45 and the notch 217 are engaged, the lower surface of the other edge portion 41b of the upper edge plate 41 abuts against the upper end surface of the end portion 216a (see the dashed circle in Figure 6). At this time, the lower surfaces of both longitudinal end portions of the upper edge plate 41 also abut against the upper end surfaces of the plate portions adjacent to the rectangular plate portion 216 (end portion 216a) (see Figure 3).

[0060] As a result, the opposing plate 44 is clamped and held by the clamping mechanism 215 (end 216a and clamping column 218). That is, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 45 and the notch 217 prevents the cover member 40 from moving upward, and the abutment of the lower surface of the other edge portion 41b and the upper end surface of the end 216a prevents the cover member 40 from moving downward. Both lateral ends of the opposing plate 44 are clamped by the clamping mechanism 215, respectively.

[0061] To remove the cover member 40, the worker presses the engaging protrusion 45 against one surface 401 of the relay 400 to unlock the engagement between the engaging protrusion 45 and the notch 217, and then pulls the cover member 40 out from between the end 216a and the clamping column 218.

[0062] When energized, a large current flows through relay 400, and there is a risk of electric shock if an operator's fingers touch terminal 405. In contrast, as described above, electrical junction box 100 of embodiment 1 has cover member 40, which shields gap 600 between opposing plate 44 and one surface 401 of relay 400. This prevents a fingertip from getting into gap 600 and causing a malfunction such as electric shock.

[0063] As described above, a large current flows through the relay 400, and heat is generated in the relay 400 and its contact points (terminals 405 and bus bars 500). The air inside the cover member 40 absorbs the heat from the relay 400 and its contact points and rises (see the white arrows in FIG. 6).

[0064] However, when the cover member 40 shields the gap 600, the air that has become hot by absorbing the heat generated at the relay 400 and its contact points is not released to the outside of the cover member 40, and the heat is likely to build up inside the cover member 40. When heat builds up inside the cover member 40, the cover member 40 and the resin parts around the cover member 40 melt and are unable to maintain their insulation, which could result in a short circuit or other malfunction.

[0065] In contrast, in the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment, the first ventilation hole 42 is provided in the cover member 40, allowing ventilation between the inside and outside of the cover member 40. Due to this ventilation, heat generated at the relays 400 and their contact points is dissipated to the outside of the cover member 40 and is not trapped inside the cover member 40, thereby preventing problems caused by heat being trapped inside the cover member 40.

[0066] In the electrical connection box 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the first ventilation port 42 is provided directly above the contact portion (terminal 405) of the relay 400. That is, the first ventilation port 42 is provided in the path of the air that has become hot. Therefore, the first ventilation port 42 is provided in the path of the air that has become hot. The air can be quickly exhausted to the outside of the cover member 40.

[0067] Furthermore, since the distance 700 between the first ventilation hole 42 and one surface 401 of the relay 400 is 2 to 4 mm, a person's fingertip cannot enter the gap 600 from the first ventilation hole 42. Therefore, the cover member 40 can be ventilated between the inside and outside, while ensuring the above-mentioned effect of preventing electric shock. That is, the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment can prevent problems caused by the contacts of the relay 400 being exposed and problems caused by heat buildup inside the cover member 40 at the same time.

[0068] The above has been described using an example in which the first ventilation port 42 is provided on one edge portion 41a, but this is not limited to this, and the same effect as described above can be obtained as long as it is provided on the upper edge plate 41.

[0069] In the above description, an example has been given in which one first ventilation hole 42 is provided on each side of the protrusion 43 in the upper edge plate 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of first ventilation holes 42 may be provided on each side of the protrusion 43.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) In the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 1, an example was described in which an air vent is provided only at one edge portion 41a of the upper edge plate 41, but in the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 2, air vents are provided in places other than the one edge portion 41a of the upper edge plate 41.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the cover member 40 of the electrical junction box 100 of the second embodiment. In the electrical junction box 100 of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a first ventilation hole 42 is provided at one edge portion 41a of the upper edge plate 41, directly above the terminal 405 (see FIG. 6). Also, in the electrical junction box 100 of the second embodiment, the cover member 40 further has a second ventilation hole 48 in the upper edge plate 41.

[0072] The second ventilation holes 48 are circular through-holes that penetrate the upper edge plate 41 from the inside to the outside, and are formed at positions away from one edge portion 41a. Three second ventilation holes 48 are formed on each side of the convex portion 43 in the upper edge plate 41. The three second ventilation holes 48 are formed in the upper edge plate 41 between one edge portion 41a and the other edge portion 41b, and are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the upper edge plate 41.

[0073] As described above, the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 2 has the first ventilation hole 42 formed at one edge 41a directly above the terminal 405, and similarly to embodiment 1, heat generated in the relay 400 and at the contact points of the relay 400 is quickly dissipated to the outside of the cover member 40 and does not accumulate inside the cover member 40, thereby preventing problems caused by heat building up inside the cover member 40.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, the electrical junction box 100 of the second embodiment further includes the second ventilation hole 48 in the upper edge plate 41 in addition to the first ventilation hole 42. Therefore, the cover member 40 can more quickly discharge heat generated at the relays 400 and their contact points to the outside of the cover member 40 via the first ventilation hole 42 and the second ventilation hole 48.

[0075] Although the above description has been given using an example in which the second ventilation opening 48 is a circular through-hole, the present invention is not limited to this. The second ventilation opening 48 may be, for example, triangular, rectangular, oval, oblong, or the like.

[0076] In the above, the upper edge plate 41 has three second ventilation holes 48 on each side of the protrusion 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of second ventilation holes 48 may be more than three or less than three.

[0077] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] (Embodiment 3) In the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 1, an example was described in which ventilation holes are provided only in the upper edge plate 41, but in the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 3, ventilation holes are provided in positions other than the upper edge plate 41.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the cover member 40 of the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment. In the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first ventilation hole 42 is provided at one edge portion 41a of the upper edge plate 41, directly above the terminal 405. Moreover, in the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment, the cover member 40 further has a third ventilation hole 49 in the opposing plate 44.

[0080] The third ventilation holes 49 are slit-shaped through-holes that penetrate the opposing plate 44 from the inside to the outside, and extend in the vertical direction. One third ventilation hole 49 is formed on each side of the intermediate portion 46 of the opposing plate 44. Each third ventilation hole 49 is formed in the opposing plate 44 in a portion between the intermediate portion 46 and the engaging protrusion 45, near the intermediate portion 46. The horizontal dimension of each third ventilation hole 49 (hereinafter referred to as width) is approximately 2 to 4 mm.

[0081] As described above, the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 3 has the first ventilation hole 42 formed at one edge 41a directly above the terminal 405, and similarly to embodiment 1, heat generated in the relay 400 and at the contact points of the relay 400 is quickly dissipated to the outside of the cover member 40 and does not accumulate inside the cover member 40, thereby preventing problems caused by heat building up inside the cover member 40.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment is provided with the third vent hole 49 in the opposing plate 44 in addition to the first vent hole 42. Outside air flows into the cover member 40 through the third vent hole 49, absorbs heat from the relays 400 and their contact points, rises, and is discharged to the outside of the cover member 40 through the first vent hole 42. Therefore, in the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment, the circulation of air ventilating the inside and outside of the cover member 40 is shorter than in a case where the opposing plate 44 does not have the third vent hole 49, and heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

[0083] As described above, in the electrical junction box 100 of the third embodiment, the width of the third ventilation hole 49 is 2 to 4 mm, so that a person's fingertip cannot enter the gap 600 from the third ventilation hole 49. Therefore, the third ventilation hole 49 can ventilate the inside and outside of the cover member 40 while preventing a person's finger from touching the terminal 405 (the bolt 300) of the relay 400 or the bus bar 500.

[0084] Although the above description has been given taking an example where the third ventilation opening 49 is slit-shaped, the present invention is not limited to this. The third ventilation opening 49 may be, for example, triangular, rectangular, oval, or the like.

[0085] In the above description, an example has been given in which one third ventilation hole 49 is formed on each side of the intermediate portion 46 of the opposing plate 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of third ventilation holes 49 may be formed on each side of the intermediate portion 46.

[0086] In the above description, an example has been given in which the third ventilation hole 49 is formed in a position between the intermediate portion 46 and the engagement protrusion 45 and closer to the intermediate portion 46, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the cover member 40 is attached, the third ventilation opening 49 may be formed at a position that does not overlap with the end 216a of the mounting seat 213 and is not hidden by the end 216a.

[0087] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] (Embodiment 4) In the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 1, the first ventilation opening 42 is described as being rectangular, but the electrical connection box 100 of embodiment 4 has a first ventilation opening 42A that has a different shape from the first ventilation opening 42.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the cover member 40 of the electrical junction box 100 of the fourth embodiment. As described above, in the electrical junction box 100 of embodiment 4, the first ventilation opening 42A is formed in the cover member 40. The first ventilation opening 42A is provided in the same position as the first ventilation opening 42 of embodiment 1, that is, in one edge portion 41a of the upper edge plate 41, directly above the terminal 405, and penetrates the upper edge plate 41 from the inside to the outside. The first ventilation openings 42A are formed on both sides of the protrusion 43 in the upper edge plate 41.

[0090] However, the first ventilation openings 42A have a different shape from the first ventilation openings 42 of the first embodiment. Each first ventilation opening 42A has a comb shape that opens toward the other edge portion 41b. More specifically, each first ventilation opening 42A has a comb base 421A formed by cutting out a middle portion of one edge portion 41a along the edge portion 41a into a long and narrow rectangle, and long and narrow comb teeth 422A extending from the comb base 421A toward the other edge portion 41b. The comb base 421A has a shape similar to that of the first ventilation opening 42 of the electrical junction box 100 of the first embodiment. The comb teeth 422A are formed at a plurality of locations at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the comb base 421A. The dimension of the comb teeth 422A in the arrangement direction (hereinafter referred to as the width) is approximately 2 to 4 mm.

[0091] As described above, the electric junction box 100 of the fourth embodiment has the first ventilation opening 42A formed in the edge 41a at a position directly above the terminal 405, so that heat generated in the relay 400 and heat generated at the contact portions of the relay 400 is quickly dissipated to the outside of the cover member 40. Therefore, heat is not trapped inside the cover member 40, and problems caused by heat trapped inside the cover member 40 can be prevented in advance.

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, the electrical junction box 100 of embodiment 4 has a comb-shaped first vent 42A that opens toward the other edge portion 41b. In other words, in the electrical junction box 100 of embodiment 4, in addition to the comb base 421A corresponding to the first vent 42 of embodiment 1, a plurality of comb teeth 422A are formed on the upper edge plate 41. Therefore, the cover member 40 can more quickly release heat generated at the relay 400 and the contact portions of the relay 400 to the outside of the cover member 40 via the comb base 421A and the comb teeth 422A.

[0093] As described above, in electrical junction box 100 of embodiment 4, comb-tooth portion 422A of first ventilation hole 42A has a width of 2 to 4 mm, so that a person's fingertip cannot enter gap 600 from first ventilation hole 42A. Therefore, first ventilation hole 42A can ventilate the inside and outside of cover member 40 while preventing a person's finger from touching terminal 405 (bolt 300) of relay 400 or bus bar 500.

[0094] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The disclosed embodiments 1 to 4 are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above, but is defined by the claims. The present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0096] The matters described in each of the first to fourth embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the citation format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim cites two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim citing at least one other multiple claim (multi-multi claim) can also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 20 Upper Case 21 Ceiling Wall 22 Side wall 23 Fastening part 24 Ribs 30 Lower Case 31 Bottom wall 33 Side wall 40 Cover member 41 Upper edge plate (electric shock prevention plate) 41a One edge 41b Other edge 42,42A First Vent 43 Convex part 44 Opposing plate 45 Engagement protrusion 46 Middle section 47 Side wall 48 Second Vent 49 Third Vent 50 cabinets 100 Electrical junction box 200 battery packs 211 External surface 212 Connection 213 Mounting base (base) 213a Open area 215 Clamping mechanism 216 Rectangular plate section 217 Notch (engagement part) 216a End 218 Pincer Pillar 218a Biasing part 218b side wall 218C Upper end 219 Engagement gutter 220 Engaged part 221 bottom 300 volts 400 Relay (electronic component) 401 One side (side) 404 Engagement protrusion 405 terminal 406 Shielding plate 421A Comb base 422A Comb teeth part 500 busbar 600 gap 700 intervals

Claims

1. An electrical connection box including a housing in which electronic components that generate heat when energized are provided, a cover member that covers the periphery of the terminals, including the terminals provided on the side surfaces of the electronic component; The cover member has a vent hole for ventilation between the inside and outside of the electrical junction box.

2. The electronic component is mounted on a base provided in the housing, The cover member is an opposing plate disposed opposite the side surface of the electronic component; an electric shock prevention plate provided on an edge of the opposing plate spaced apart from the housing, and shielding a gap between the opposing plate and the side surface to prevent electric shock; 2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole includes a first vent hole formed in the electric shock prevention plate.

3. The first ventilation port is 3. The electrical junction box according to claim 2, wherein the electric shock prevention plate is formed on one edge portion of the electronic component near the side surface.

4. 4. The electrical junction box according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation openings include a second ventilation opening formed in the electric shock prevention plate away from the one edge portion.

5. 5. The electrical junction box according to claim 3, wherein the first vent hole is comb-shaped and opens toward the other edge portion opposite the one edge portion.

6. The electrical junction box according to claim 2 , wherein the vent holes include a third vent hole formed in the opposing plate.

7. the base includes a clamping mechanism that clamps the opposing plate, 5. The electrical junction box according to claim 2, wherein the opposing plate has an engaging protrusion that engages with an engaging portion formed on the clamping mechanism.

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