Electrical junction box
The electrical junction box design reduces mounting space and protects conductive members by using overlapping side covers, enhancing assembly efficiency and heat management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024116900
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
AI Technical Summary
Conventional electrical junction boxes require a significant amount of mounting space due to the protrusion of conductive members, which is problematic in limited spaces such as engine compartments.
The electrical junction box design includes a housing main body with first and second terminal portions, each covered by a side cover that protrudes outside the housing, with the first side cover overlapping the second when viewed from above, reducing the overall mounting space and protecting conductive members.
This configuration minimizes the visible area and mounting space, protects conductive members, reduces heat generation, and facilitates assembly, while allowing for efficient use of space and cost-effective fuse integration.
Smart Images

Figure 2026015959000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical junction box. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, there has been an electrical junction box that includes a housing main body that is open at the top, electrical components provided inside the housing main body, and terminal portions provided on the edges inside the housing main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conductive members including electric wires or the like are connected to the terminal portions, and the conductive members are arranged so as to protrude outside the housing main body when viewed from above. An external power source such as a battery or a generator, or various external power consuming devices, are then connected to the conductive members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-7709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the electrical junction box described above, a plurality of terminals may be arranged in a row, and a conductive member may be connected to each of the terminals. In such a case, the conductive members are arranged so as to protrude from the housing body when viewed from above. Since the electrical junction box is placed in a limited space, such as an engine compartment, it is required to reduce the mounting space when viewed from above.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical junction box that allows for a reduction in the mounting space. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The electrical connection box of the present disclosure comprises a housing main body that is open at the top, a first terminal portion provided on an edge portion inside the housing main body, a second terminal portion provided alongside the first terminal portion on the edge portion inside the housing main body, a first side cover that is arranged to protrude outside the housing main body from a position corresponding to the first terminal portion and that houses a portion of a first conductive member that connects an external power source to the first terminal portion, and a second side cover that is arranged to protrude outside the housing main body from a position corresponding to the second terminal portion and that houses a portion of a second conductive member that is connected to the second terminal portion, and a portion of the first side cover is arranged to overlap the second side cover when viewed from above. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the electrical junction box of the present disclosure, the mounting space can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first electrical junction box according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the first electrical junction box according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded plan view of the first electrical junction box according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the first electrical junction box according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of the first electrical junction box according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The electrical junction box of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A housing body that is open at the top, a first terminal portion provided on an edge portion inside the housing body, a second terminal portion provided alongside the first terminal portion on the edge portion inside the housing body, a first side cover that is arranged to protrude outside the housing body from a position corresponding to the first terminal portion and that houses a part of a first conductive member that connects an external power source to the first terminal portion, and a second side cover that is arranged to protrude outside the housing body from a position corresponding to the second terminal portion and that houses a part of a second conductive member that is connected to the second terminal portion, wherein a part of the first side cover is arranged to overlap with the second side cover when viewed from above.
[0010] According to this configuration, a portion of the first conductive member connecting the external power supply and the first terminal is protected because it is housed in the first side cover, which is arranged so as to protrude from the housing body at a position corresponding to the first terminal. Furthermore, a portion of the second conductive member connected to the second terminal is protected because it is housed in the second side cover, which is arranged so as to protrude from the housing body at a position corresponding to the second terminal. Furthermore, because a portion of the first side cover overlaps with the second side cover when viewed from above, the area of the electrical junction box viewed from above can be reduced compared to when they do not overlap. Therefore, the mounting space viewed from above can be reduced compared to when the first side cover and the second side cover do not overlap.
[0011] [2] In the above item [1], the second side cover may have an engaged portion, and the first side cover may have an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion. With this configuration, the second side cover has an engaged portion, and the first side cover has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion, which makes it possible to prevent the first side cover from rattling relative to the second side cover. This makes it possible to reduce the number of engagement points between the first side cover and the housing body while preventing the first side cover from rattling relative to the housing body, for example.
[0012] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the first side cover may have an extension portion extending along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing body when viewed from above, and a bent extension portion bending from the extension portion and extending to pass above the second side cover when viewed from above.
[0013] According to this configuration, the first conductive member can be led out of the electrical junction box in the direction in which the bent extension portion extends. Also, the first side cover can be provided so as to overlap the second side cover by a large area when viewed from above.
[0014] [4] In the above item [3], the second side cover may extend along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing body when viewed from above, and may also extend obliquely downward. With this configuration, the second side cover extends along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing body when viewed from above, and also extends diagonally downward, allowing the second conductive member to be led diagonally downward relative to the electrical junction box. Furthermore, the bent extension of the first side cover can be disposed in the diagonal space created above the second side cover, making effective use of the so-called dead space.
[0015] [5] In any one of the above [1] to [4], a portion of the first conductive member housed in the first side cover may include a fuse. According to this configuration, a portion of the first conductive member housed in the first side cover includes a fuse, which reduces the amount of heat generated inside the housing body while avoiding an increase in size of the housing body. That is, compared to a configuration in which the fuse is provided inside the housing body, for example, the amount of heat generated inside the housing body can be reduced while avoiding an increase in size of the housing body. Furthermore, although the first side cover that houses the fuse is easily made larger, because it is arranged so as to overlap with the second side cover when viewed from above, this effectively reduces the area of the electrical junction box when viewed from above.
[0016] [6] In the above item [5], the fuse may have a first terminal and a second terminal in the shape of a flat plate protruding in opposite directions from both ends. With this configuration, the fuse has flat first and second terminals that protrude in opposite directions from both ends, so that, for example, a general, off-the-shelf fuse can be used, which eliminates the need to manufacture a dedicated fuse, thereby achieving low costs.
[0017] [7] In the above [6], a portion of the first conductive member accommodated in the first side cover may include a flat intermediate bus bar connecting the fuse and the first terminal portion, the first side cover having a lower cover and an upper cover covering the upper side of the lower cover and holding the intermediate bus bar, the intermediate bus bar and the first terminal configured to be fastened to the lower cover from above by a first fastening member with the upper cover removed, and the wire terminal and the second terminal of the terminal-equipped wire connected to the external power source configured to be fastened to the lower cover from above by a second fastening member with the upper cover removed.
[0018] According to this configuration, the set of the intermediate bus bar and the first terminal, and the set of the wire terminal and the second terminal of the terminal-attached wire connected to the external power source can both be fastened from above, facilitating assembly work. Furthermore, the angle of the direction in which the terminal-attached wire extends from the second fastening member can be easily and freely set around the second fastening member. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space. For example, in a configuration in which the extension direction is determined by bending the terminal-attached wire itself, it is difficult to bend it with a small radius of curvature, which can lead to a concern that the installation space required from above will be large. However, this can be avoided.
[0019] [8] In the above [7], the first terminal portion and the intermediate bus bar may be configured to be fastenable from above by a third fastening member. According to this configuration, the set of the intermediate bus bar and the first terminal, the set of the wire terminal and the second terminal in the terminal-equipped wire connected to the external power source, and the set of the first terminal portion and the intermediate bus bar can all be fastened from above, making assembly work and disassembly work, for example, during maintenance, easier.
[0020] [9] In any one of the above [1] to [8], the first terminal portion may be provided at a corner of the housing body when viewed from above. With this configuration, the first terminal is provided at a corner of the housing body when viewed from above, and therefore the connection position with the external power source is at the corner of the housing body, which has high heat dissipation properties, thereby further reducing the amount of heat generated inside the housing body.
[0021] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the convenience of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from one drawing to another. Furthermore, 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 equivalent to the claims.
[0022] (Configuration of vehicle 10) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 viewed from above. The vehicle 10 includes a first electrical junction box 20 and a second electrical junction box 21 as electrical junction boxes, a first external power source 22, a second external power source 23, and a third external power source 24, and a plurality of external power consumption devices 25. The first external power source 22, the second external power source 23, and the third external power source 24 are, for example, batteries or generators capable of supplying a voltage of several tens of volts. The plurality of external power consumption devices 25 are, for example, various actuators including small motors, lighting equipment, and the like. Note that FIG. 1 schematically illustrates only four of the plurality of external power consumption devices 25.
[0023] 1 corresponds to the front of the vehicle 10. The first electrical junction box 20 and the second electrical junction box 21 are disposed in an engine compartment 26 provided in the front of the vehicle 10. The first external power supply 22, the second external power supply 23, and the third external power supply 24 are connected to the first electrical junction box 20. The first electrical junction box 20 is connected to the second electrical junction box 21. A plurality of external power consumption devices 25 are connected to the first electrical junction box 20 or the second electrical junction box 21. Note that an electrical junction box may also be called a junction box, a fuse box, a relay box, etc., but in this specification, these will be collectively referred to as an electrical junction box.
[0024] (Configuration of the first electrical junction box 20) 2, the first electrical connection box 20 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 30. The housing 30 includes a rectangular cylindrical housing main body 31 that is open on the upper side Z1 and the lower side Z2, a lower housing 32 that covers the lower side Z2 of the housing main body 31, an upper housing 33 that covers the upper side Z1 of the housing main body 31, and a holder 34 that is housed inside the housing main body 31. Each of the housing main body 31, the lower housing 32, the upper housing 33, and the holder 34 is made of an insulating synthetic resin material.
[0025] Each drawing shows a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to the first axis X and the second axis Y. Each drawing also shows an upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1. Note that the upward direction Z1 here refers to the direction in which the housing main body 31 is open when the first electrical junction box 20 is viewed as a standalone unit, and is not necessarily the upward direction that is strictly perpendicular to the ground when the first electrical junction box 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10.
[0026] 3 and 4, the first electrical junction box 20 includes an electrical component 40, a first terminal portion 50, a second terminal portion 60, a first side cover 70, and a second side cover 80. The first electrical junction box 20 of this embodiment further includes a third side cover 35 and a fourth side cover 36, but detailed description of the configurations of these will be omitted.
[0027] (Configuration of Electrical Component 40) Electrical component 40 is held by holder 34 and is provided inside housing main body 31. Electrical component 40 includes a power distribution bus bar. Note that the power distribution bus bar is a well-known type made of a metal plate and having a current-carrying portion, a plurality of terminals, and a plurality of fusing portions that function as fuses by being provided between the current-carrying portion and the terminals.
[0028] (Configuration of the first terminal portion 50 and the second terminal portion 60) The first terminal portion 50 and the second terminal portion 60 are parts of a flat bus bar held by the holder 34. The first terminal portion 50 and the second terminal portion 60 are provided so that the flat surfaces, which are the contact surfaces, face upward Z1.
[0029] The first terminal 50 is provided on an edge portion inside the housing body 31. The edge portion here refers to a portion adjacent to the outer surface 31a of the housing body 31 when viewed from above Z1. The first terminal 50 is provided on a corner portion of the housing body 31 when viewed from above Z1. The corner portion here refers to a portion adjacent to two orthogonal outer surfaces 31a, 31b of the housing body 31 when viewed from above Z1. The second terminal 60 is provided alongside the first terminal 50 on an edge portion inside the housing body 31. The second terminal 60 is aligned with the first terminal 50 along the first axis X.
[0030] The first terminal 50 has a first central hole 50a. The holder 34 holds a first terminal bolt 51 so that it passes through the first central hole 50a. In other words, the first terminal bolt 51 is held by the holder 34 so that it passes through the first central hole 50a and protrudes upward Z1. The first terminal 50 is electrically connected to the electric component 40 inside the housing main body 31. More specifically, the first terminal 50 of this embodiment is connected to a power distribution bus bar in the electric component 40. The first terminal 50 of this embodiment is further connected to the second electric junction box 21 by a conductive member 52 (see FIG. 2 ) extending from the lower side Z2 of the housing main body 31, and is electrically connected to a plurality of external power consuming devices 25 via the second electric junction box 21.
[0031] The second terminal 60 has a second central hole 60a. The holder 34 holds a second terminal bolt 61 so that it passes through the second central hole 60a. In other words, the second terminal bolt 61 is held by the holder 34 so that it passes through the second central hole 60a and protrudes upward Z1. The second terminal 60 is electrically connected to the electric component 40 inside the housing main body 31. More specifically, the second terminal 60 of this embodiment is connected to a power distribution bus bar in the electric component 40.
[0032] (Configuration of the first side cover 70 and the second side cover 80) As shown in FIG. 7, the first side cover 70 is disposed so as to protrude to the outside of the housing main body 31 from a portion corresponding to the first terminal portion 50 (see FIG. 4). The second side cover 80 is disposed so as to protrude to the outside of the housing main body 31 from a portion corresponding to the second terminal portion 60 (see FIG. 4). The first side cover 70 of this embodiment houses a portion of a first conductive member 90 that connects the third external power source 24 (see FIG. 1) serving as an external power source to the first terminal portion 50. The second side cover 80 of this embodiment houses a portion of a second conductive member 100 that connects the second external power source 23 (see FIG. 1) to the second terminal portion 60. A portion of the first side cover 70 is disposed so as to overlap the second side cover 80 when viewed from above Z1.
[0033] 3, the first side cover 70 has a first lower cover 71 as a lower cover and a first upper cover 72 as an upper cover that covers an upper side Z1 of the first lower cover 71. The second side cover 80 has a second lower cover 81 and a second upper cover 82 that covers an upper side Z1 of the second lower cover 81. Each of the first lower cover 71, the first upper cover 72, the second lower cover 81, and the second upper cover 82 is made of an insulating synthetic resin material.
[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the second side cover 80 extends along a second axis Y, which is an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 31a of the housing main body 31 (see Figure 4) when viewed from above Z1, and also extends diagonally downward Z2 (see Figure 3).
[0035] The first side cover 70 has an extending portion 73 extending along a second axis Y that is an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 31a of the housing main body 31 when viewed from above Z1, and a bent extension portion 74 that bends from the extending portion 73 when viewed from above Z1 and extends to pass above Z1 the second side cover 80. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the bent extension portion 74 is an oblique space generated above Z1 the second side cover 80, and is disposed in a so-called dead space.
[0036] 3 and 8, the second side cover 80 has an engaged portion 83, and the first side cover 70 has an engaging portion 75 that engages with the engaged portion 83. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaged portion 83 in this embodiment protrudes upward Z1 and has a first claw portion 83a at its tip. The engaging portion 75 is formed so that the engaged portion 83 can be inserted from below Z2, and has a second claw portion 75a that engages with the first claw portion 83a in the upward Z1 state when the engaged portion 83 is inserted. This prevents relative movement between the first side cover 70 and the second side cover 80 when the engaged portion 83 and the engaging portion 75 are engaged with each other.
[0037] 3, the housing main body 31 has one first-cover engaged portion 31c at a position corresponding to the first side cover 70, and two second-cover engaged portions 31d at a position corresponding to the second side cover 80. The first side cover 70 has one first-cover engaging portion 76 that engages with the first-cover engaged portion 31c, and the second side cover 80 has two second-cover engaging portions 84 that engage with the two second-cover engaged portions 31d. The first-cover engaged portion 31c and the second-cover engaged portion 31d are formed in the same shape as the engaged portion 83, and the first-cover engaging portion 76 and the second-cover engaging portion 84 are formed in the same shape as the engaging portion 75. As a result, the second side cover 80 is prevented from moving relative to the housing main body 31 with the two second-cover engaged portions 31d and the two second-cover engaging portions 84 engaged. Furthermore, the first side cover 70 is prevented from moving relative to the housing main body 31 when the first cover engaged portion 31c and the first cover side engaging portion 76 are engaged and the engaged portion 83 and the engaging portion 75 are engaged.
[0038] (Configuration of the first conductive member 90) 5, the first conductive member 90, which connects the third external power supply 24 (see FIG. 1) and the first terminal portion 50 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), includes a flat intermediate bus bar 91, a fuse 92, and a first terminal-equipped electric wire 93. A portion of the intermediate bus bar 91, the fuse 92, and a portion of the first terminal-equipped electric wire 93 are housed inside the first side cover 70.
[0039] 5 and 6, the intermediate bus bar 91 is held by the first lower cover 71 of the first side cover 70. The end of the intermediate bus bar 91 that protrudes outward from the first lower cover 71 is arranged to overlap above Z1 the first terminal portion 50 when the first side cover 70 is attached to the housing main body 31 (see FIG. 7). The end of the intermediate bus bar 91 that is housed inside the first lower cover 71 is arranged to overlap above Z1 the fixing nut 77 held in the first lower cover 71. The intermediate bus bar 91 has an elongated hole 91a at the end that protrudes from the first lower cover 71. The intermediate bus bar 91 also has a round hole 91b at the end that is housed inside the first lower cover 71.
[0040] The fuse 92 has a flat first terminal 92a and a flat second terminal 92b that protrude in opposite directions from both ends. The fuse 92 is arranged so that the first terminal 92a overlaps the upper Z1 end of the intermediate bus bar 91 that is housed inside the first lower cover 71. The fuse 92 is also arranged so that the second terminal 92b overlaps the upper Z1 end of the fixing nut 78 held by the first lower cover 71. The first terminal 92a and the second terminal 92b each have fastening holes 92c, 92d.
[0041] The first terminal-equipped wire 93 has a first wire terminal 93a at the end opposite to the end connected to the third external power source 24. A portion of the first terminal-equipped wire 93 is housed inside the first lower cover 71 so that the first wire terminal 93a overlaps the upper Z1 of the second terminal 92b. The first wire terminal 93a has a round hole 93b.
[0042] Then, with the first upper cover 72 removed from the first lower cover 71, the intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a of the fuse 92 are fastened from above Z1 by a first bolt 94 as a first fastening member. That is, the intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a are fastened by the first bolt 94 which passes through the fastening hole 92c and the round hole 91b and is screwed into the fixing nut 77.
[0043] Furthermore, with the first upper cover 72 removed from the first lower cover 71, the first wire terminal 93a of the first terminal-equipped wire 93 and the second terminal 92b of the fuse 92 are fastened together from above Z1 by a second bolt 95 as a second fastening member. That is, the first wire terminal 93a and the second terminal 92b are fastened together by the second bolt 95 that passes through the round hole 93b and the fastening hole 92d and is screwed into the fixing nut 77. Note that in each drawing, the thread grooves of the first bolt 94 and the second bolt 95 are omitted and are simply illustrated.
[0044] 7, the first terminal portion 50 and the intermediate bus bar 91 are fastened from above Z1 by a first nut 96 as a third fastening member with the first side cover 70 attached to the housing body 31. That is, the first terminal portion 50 and the intermediate bus bar 91 are fastened by the first nut 96 that is screwed onto the first terminal portion bolt 51 that passes through the first central hole 50a (see FIG. 4) and the elongated hole 91a and protrudes toward above Z1.
[0045] (Configuration of second conductive member 100) 3, the second conductive member 100 connecting the second external power source 23 (see FIG. 1) and the second terminal portion 60 includes a second terminal-equipped electric wire 101. The second terminal-equipped electric wire 101 has a second wire terminal 101a at an end opposite to the end connected to the second external power source 23.
[0046] A portion of the second terminal-equipped electric wire 101 is housed and held in the second side cover 80 such that the second electric wire terminal 101a overlaps the upper Z1 of the second terminal portion 60 when the second side cover 80 is attached to the housing body 31. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second electric wire terminal 101a has an elongated hole 101b through which the second terminal portion bolt 61 can pass when overlapping the second terminal portion 60.
[0047] 7, the second terminal portion 60 and the second electric wire terminal 101a are fastened together by a second nut 97 from above Z1 in a state in which the second side cover 80 is attached to the housing main body 31. That is, the second terminal portion 60 and the second electric wire terminal 101a are fastened together by the second nut 97 that is screwed onto the second terminal portion bolt 61 that passes through the second central hole 60a (see FIG. 4) and the elongated hole 101b and protrudes toward above Z1.
[0048] (Action of this embodiment) Next, the operation of the first electrical junction box 20 configured as above will be described. The first electrical junction box 20 is connected to a first external power supply 22, a second external power supply 23, and a third external power supply 24, and is also connected to a second electrical junction box 21 and a plurality of external power consumption devices 25. Then, power from the first external power supply 22, the second external power supply 23, and the third external power supply 24 is supplied by the first electrical junction box 20 to the second electrical junction box 21 and the plurality of external power consumption devices 25.
[0049] For example, current from the first external power supply 22 and the second external power supply 23 is supplied to a power distribution bus bar in the electrical component 40 provided inside the first electrical junction box 20, and is distributed to the plurality of external power consumption devices 25 via the power distribution bus bar. Also, for example, current from the third external power supply 24 is supplied to the second electrical junction box 21 via the fuse 92 in the first side cover 70, rather than mainly directed to the power distribution bus bar in the electrical component 40, and is distributed from the second electrical junction box 21 to the plurality of external power consumption devices 25. Also, of the current from the third external power supply 24, only the current that does not go to the second electrical junction box 21 is supplied to the power distribution bus bar in the electrical component 40, and is distributed to the plurality of external power consumption devices 25 via the power distribution bus bar.
[0050] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) A portion of the first conductive member 90 connecting the third external power supply 24 and the first terminal 50 is protected because it is housed in the first side cover 70, which is disposed so as to protrude from the housing body 31 at a position corresponding to the first terminal 50. A portion of the second conductive member 100 connected to the second terminal 60 is protected because it is housed in the second side cover 80, which is disposed so as to protrude from the housing body 31 at a position corresponding to the second terminal 60. Furthermore, because a portion of the first side cover 70 overlaps with the second side cover 80 as viewed from above Z1, the area of the first electrical junction box 20 as viewed from above Z1 can be reduced compared to when they do not overlap. Therefore, the installation space as viewed from above Z1 can be reduced compared to when the first side cover 70 and the second side cover 80 do not overlap.
[0051] (2) The second side cover 80 has the engaged portion 83, and the first side cover 70 has the engaging portion 75 that engages with the engaged portion 83, thereby preventing the first side cover 70 from rattling relative to the second side cover 80. As a result, for example, as in the present embodiment, the first side cover 70 and the housing main body 31 are engaged at only one location, the first cover engaged portion 31c and the first cover side engaging portion 76, and yet the first side cover 70 and the housing main body 31 can be prevented from rattling relative to the housing main body 31.
[0052] (3) The first side cover 70 has an extending portion 73 extending along the second axis Y perpendicular to the outer surface 31a of the housing body 31 as viewed from above Z1, and a bent extension portion 74 bent from the extending portion 73 and extending to pass above Z1 the second side cover 80 as viewed from above Z1. Therefore, the first conductive member 90 can be led out relative to the first electrical junction box 20 in the direction in which the bent extension portion 74 extends, i.e., in the direction along the first axis X. Furthermore, the first side cover 70 can be arranged to overlap the second side cover 80 over a large area as viewed from above Z1.
[0053] (4) The second side cover 80 extends along the second axis Y that is perpendicular to the outer surface 31a of the housing body 31 when viewed from above Z1, and also extends diagonally downward Z2, so that the second conductive member 100 can be led out diagonally downward Z2 with respect to the first electrical junction box 20. Furthermore, the bent extension portion 74 of the first side cover 70 can be disposed in the diagonal space generated above Z1 the second side cover 80, making it possible to effectively utilize the so-called dead space.
[0054] (5) Because a portion of the first conductive member 90 housed in the first side cover 70 includes the fuse 92, the amount of heat generated inside the housing body 31 can be reduced while avoiding an increase in size of the housing body 31. That is, compared to a configuration in which the fuse 92 is provided inside the housing body 31, for example, the amount of heat generated inside the housing body 31 can be reduced while avoiding an increase in size of the housing body 31. Furthermore, although the first side cover 70 that houses the fuse 92 is likely to be large, it is provided so as to overlap with the second side cover 80 when viewed from above Z1, which effectively reduces the area of the first electrical junction box 20 when viewed from above Z1.
[0055] (6) The fuse 92 has a first terminal 92a and a second terminal 92b, which are flat and protrude in opposite directions from both ends, so that it is possible to use, for example, a general, off-the-shelf fuse 92. Therefore, for example, there is no need to manufacture a dedicated fuse, and costs can be kept to a minimum.
[0056] (7) The intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a of the fuse 92 are configured to be fastened from above Z1 by the first bolt 94, and the first electric wire terminal 93a and the second terminal 92b of the fuse 92 are configured to be fastened from above Z1 by the second bolt 95. Therefore, the set of the intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a and the set of the first electric wire terminal 93a and the second terminal 92b can both be fastened from above Z1, facilitating assembly work. Furthermore, with this configuration, the angle of the direction in which the first terminal-equipped electric wire 93 extends from the second bolt 95 can be easily and freely set around the second bolt 95. That is, as in this embodiment, the relative angle between the longitudinal direction of the fuse 92 and the direction in which the first terminal-equipped electric wire 93 extends can be easily set to a right angle. This allows for a reduction in installation space. That is, for example, in a configuration in which the direction of extension is determined by bending the first terminal-equipped wire 93 itself, it is difficult to bend it with a small radius of curvature, which raises concerns that the mounting space viewed from above Z1 will become large, but this can be avoided.
[0057] (8) The first terminal portion 50 and the intermediate bus bar 91 are configured to be fastened from above Z1 by the first nuts 96. Therefore, the set of the intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a, the set of the first electric wire terminal 93a and the second terminal 92b, and the set of the first terminal portion 50 and the intermediate bus bar 91 can all be fastened from above Z1, which facilitates assembly work and disassembly work, for example, during maintenance.
[0058] (9) The first terminal portion 50 is provided at a corner of the housing body 31 when viewed from above Z1, and therefore the connection position with the third external power source 24 is at the corner of the housing body 31, which has high heat dissipation properties. This further reduces the amount of heat generated inside the housing body 31.
[0059] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.
[0060] In the above embodiment, the second side cover 80 has the engaged portion 83, and the first side cover 70 has the engaging portion 75 that engages with the engaged portion 83, but this is not limited to this, and the second side cover 80 may be configured not to have the engaged portion 83 or the engaging portion 75.
[0061] In the above embodiment, the housing main body 31 has one first cover engaged portion 31c and two second cover engaged portions 31d, but the number of first cover engaged portions 31c and second cover engaged portions 31d may be changed. In this case, the number of first cover side engaging portions 76 included in the first side cover 70 and the number of second cover side engaging portions 84 included in the second side cover 80 may of course be changed.
[0062] In the above embodiment, the first side cover 70 has a shape including the extending portion 73 extending along the second axis Y and the bent extending portion 74 bending from the extending portion 73 and extending along the first axis X, but is not limited to this and may be changed to another shape. In other words, the first side cover 70 may be changed to another shape as long as a portion of the first side cover 70 overlaps with the second side cover 80 when viewed from above Z1.
[0063] In the above embodiment, the second side cover 80 extends along the second axis Y and diagonally downward Z2, but is not limited to this and may be changed to another shape.
[0064] In the above embodiment, a portion of the first conductive member 90 housed inside the first side cover 70 includes the fuse 92, but this is not limited to this, and the first side cover 70 may be configured not to house the fuse 92 inside.
[0065] In the above embodiment, the fuse 92 provided inside the first side cover 70 has a flat plate-shaped first terminal 92a and a flat plate-shaped second terminal 92b that protrude in opposite directions from both ends, but this is not limited to this and the fuse may be changed to a fuse with a different shape. For example, the fuse may be changed to a fuse in which the first terminal 92a and the second terminal 92b protrude in parallel, or to a fuse with a special shape that is not commercially available.
[0066] In the above embodiment, the first side cover 70 includes the first lower cover 71 and the first upper cover 72, but this is not limited to this and may be changed to another configuration. Also, the second side cover 80 includes the second lower cover 81 and the second upper cover 82, but this is not limited to this and may be changed to another configuration.
[0067] In the above embodiment, the intermediate bus bar 91 and the first terminal 92a of the fuse 92 are fastened from above Z1 by the first bolt 94, but this is not limited thereto and they may be connected in other configurations. Also, the first electric wire terminal 93a and the second terminal 92b of the fuse 92 are fastened from above Z1 by the second bolt 95, but this is not limited thereto and they may be connected in other configurations.
[0068] In the above embodiment, the first terminal portion 50 and the intermediate bus bar 91 are fastened from above Z1 by the first nut 96, but this is not limited to this and they may be connected in other configurations.
[0069] In the above embodiment, the first terminal portion 50 is provided at a corner of the housing main body 31 when viewed from above Z1, but it may be provided at any other position as long as it is at an edge portion inside the housing main body 31.
[0070] In the above embodiment, the first terminal portion 50 is connected to the electrical component 40 provided inside the housing main body 31 and the second electrical connection box 21, but this is not limited to this and, for example, it may be configured to be connected to only one of them.
[0071] In the above embodiment, the housing 30 has the housing main body 31, the lower housing 32, the upper housing 33, and the holder 34, but it may be changed to another configuration as long as it has at least the housing main body 31.
[0072] In the above embodiment, the first electrical junction box 20 is connected to the first external power source 22, the second external power source 23, and the third external power source 24, but the number of external power sources to be connected may be other numbers. Also, the first electrical junction box 20 is connected to the second electrical junction box 21, but this is not limited thereto, and the first electrical junction box 20 does not have to be connected to the second electrical junction box 21. For example, the first terminal unit 50 may be connected directly to the external power consumption device 25 without going through the second electrical junction box 21. [Explanation of symbols]
[0073] 10 vehicles 20 First electrical junction box (electrical junction box) 21 Second electrical junction box 22 1st external power supply 23 2nd external power supply 24 Third external power supply (external power supply) 25 External power consumption equipment 26 Engine Room 30 Case 31 Housing body 31a Outer surface 31b Outer surface 31c Engaged part for first cover 31d Second cover engaged part 32 Lower housing 33 Upper housing 34 Holding body 35 Third side cover 36 4th side cover 40 Electrical Components 50 1st terminal section 50a 1st center hole 51 First terminal bolt 52 Conductive material 60 2nd terminal section 60a Second central hole 61 Second terminal bolt 70 First side cover 71 First lower cover 72 First upper cover 73 Extended part 74 Bend extension 75 Engagement part 75a 2nd claw part 76 First cover side engagement portion 77 Fixing nut 78 Fixing nut 80 Second side cover 81 Second lower cover 82 Second upper cover 83 Engaged part 83a First claw 84 Second cover side engagement portion 90 First conductive member 91 Intermediate bus bar 91a long hole 91b Round hole 92 Fuse 92a Terminal 1 92b 2nd terminal 92c fastening hole 92d Fastening hole 93 Wire with first terminal 93a 1st wire terminal 93b Round hole 94 First bolt (first fastening member) 95 Second bolt (second fastening member) 96 First nut (third fastening member) 97 Second Nut 100 Second conductive member 101 Wire with second terminal 101a 2nd wire terminal 101b long hole X 1st axis Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis Z1 upper Z2 downward
Claims
1. a housing main body having an opening at the top; a first terminal portion provided on an edge portion inside the housing body; a second terminal portion provided alongside the first terminal portion on an edge portion inside the housing body; a first side cover that is disposed so as to protrude from a portion corresponding to the first terminal portion to the outside of the housing body and that houses a portion of a first conductive member that connects an external power source to the first terminal portion; a second side cover that is disposed so as to protrude from a portion corresponding to the second terminal portion to the outside of the housing body and that houses a portion of a second conductive member that is connected to the second terminal portion; A portion of the first side cover is provided so as to overlap the second side cover when viewed from above. Electrical junction box.
2. the second side cover has an engaged portion, the first side cover has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion; 2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.
3. The first side cover has an extending portion extending along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing body when viewed from above, and a bent extending portion bending from the extending portion and extending so as to pass above the second side cover when viewed from above.
2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.
4. The second side cover extends along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface of the housing body when viewed from above, and also extends obliquely downward.
4. The electrical junction box according to claim 3.
5. a portion of the first conductive member housed in the first side cover includes a fuse; 2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.
6. The fuse has flat first and second terminals protruding in opposite directions from both ends thereof.
6. The electrical junction box according to claim 5.
7. a portion of the first conductive member accommodated in the first side cover includes a flat intermediate bus bar connecting the fuse and the first terminal portion; the first side cover has a lower cover and an upper cover that covers an upper portion of the lower cover, and holds the intermediate bus bar; the intermediate bus bar and the first terminal are configured to be fastened to the lower cover from above by a first fastening member with the upper cover removed, a second fastening member configured to fasten a wire terminal of a terminal-equipped wire connected to the external power supply to the second terminal from above with respect to the lower cover with the upper cover removed; 7. The electrical junction box according to claim 6.
8. The first terminal portion and the intermediate bus bar are configured to be fastened from above by a third fastening member.
8. The electrical junction box according to claim 7.
9. The first terminal portion is provided at a corner portion of the housing body when viewed from above.
2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Electric connection box
JP2022007709A