Electrical connection box and wire harness

Abstract

To take measures against electric shock and waterproof measures.SOLUTION: An electric connection box has: a housing 10 that has a storage chamber 10a; an electric connection tool 20 that electrically connects first shield wires We1 and second shield wires We2 led into the storage chamber from the outside of the housing; and a terminal fitting 30 that has electric connection parts 31 to which braided bodies of the second shield wires are physically and electrically connected, and a part to be fixed 32 fixed to the housing inside the storage chamber. The housing includes a case body 10A having the storage chamber surrounded by a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 11 and a bottom wall 12 and leads the first shield wires and the second shield wires into the storage chamber from the side of an opening 10b at one end, and a cover 10B that closes the opening at one end of the outer peripheral wall. The electric connection tool includes upper connectors 28a, 28b that fit and connect first connectors 51 of terminals of the first shield wires on the side of the opening at one end, and lower connectors 27a, 27b that fit and connect second connectors 52 of terminals of the second shield wires on the side of the bottom wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection box and a wire harness.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle, for example, an electrical connection box that electrically connects a wire on the first connection object side and a wire on the second connection object side inside a housing is mounted, such as intervening between a secondary battery and a plurality of power supply targets to distribute power to each power supply target. And various components such as components responsible for electrical connection of each wire and components (relays, fuses, etc.) arranged on an electrical circuit are housed in an accommodation chamber inside the housing. Further, in this electrical connection box, a housing formed of a metal material is known in order to suppress the intrusion of noise into the accommodation chamber. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses this type of electrical connection box. Such an electrical connection box constitutes a wire harness together with a plurality of wires drawn into the accommodation chamber from the first connection object side or the second connection object side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in such an electrical connection box, when mounted on a vehicle that uses a high-voltage alternator in a power train (such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle equipped with a so-called strong hybrid system), compared with when mounted on a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as a power source or a vehicle that uses a low-voltage alternator in a power train (such as a hybrid vehicle equipped with a so-called mild hybrid system), more strict electric shock countermeasures and waterproof countermeasures are required.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection box and a wire harness suitable for electric shock prevention and waterproofing measures.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electrical connection box according to the present invention includes a housing having a housing chamber and a metal housing fixed to a conductive vehicle body, an electrical connector for electrically connecting the core wire of a first shielded wire on the first connection object side and the core wire of a second shielded wire on the second connection object side drawn into the housing chamber from outside the housing, an electrical connection portion to which the braided body of the second shielded wire is physically and electrically connected, and a terminal fitting having a fixed portion fixed to the housing in the housing chamber. The housing has the housing chamber surrounded by a cylindrical outer peripheral wall with one end opened and a bottom wall closing the opening at the other end of the outer peripheral wall, and includes a case body for drawing the first shielded wire and the second shielded wire into the housing chamber from the opening side of the one end, and a cover closing the opening at the one end of the outer peripheral wall. The electrical connector includes an upper connector for fitting and connecting a first connector at the terminal of the first shielded wire on the opening side of the one end, and a lower connector for fitting and connecting a second connector at the terminal of the second shielded wire on the bottom wall side.

[0007] The wire harness according to the present invention includes a first shielded wire on the side of a first object to be connected, a second shielded wire on the side of a second object to be connected, a metal housing having a housing chamber and fixed to a conductive vehicle body, an electrical connector for electrically connecting the core wires of the first shielded wire and the second shielded wire drawn into the housing chamber from outside the housing, an electrical connection portion to which the braid of the second shielded wire is physically and electrically connected, and a terminal fitting having a fixed portion fixed to the housing in the housing chamber. The housing has a housing chamber surrounded by a cylindrical outer peripheral wall with one end opened and a bottom wall closing the opening at the other end of the outer peripheral wall, and includes a case body for drawing the first shielded wire and the second shielded wire into the housing chamber from the opening side of the one end, and a cover for closing the opening at the one end of the outer peripheral wall. The electrical connector includes an upper connector for fitting and connecting a first connector at the terminal of the first shielded wire on the opening side of the one end, and a lower connector for fitting and connecting a second connector at the terminal of the second shielded wire on the bottom wall side.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] In the electrical connection box according to the present invention, the case body has a bottom wall, and the lower connector and the second connector are fitted and connected on the bottom wall side of the electrical connector in the housing chamber. Therefore, this electrical connection box can prevent contact of fingers or wires (fingers and wires defined in the IP standard) with the lower connector and the second connector in the housing chamber, and thus is suitable for electric shock prevention measures. Further, even if a liquid such as water enters the housing chamber, this electrical connection box is suitable for waterproofing measures because the liquid does not directly reach the lower connector and the second connector in the housing chamber. Further, the wire harness according to the present invention includes such an electrical connection box, and can achieve the same effects obtained by this electrical connection box.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electrical connection box and the wire harness according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0011] [Embodiment] One embodiment of the electrical connection box and the wire harness according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0012] Reference numeral 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 indicates the electrical connection box of the present embodiment. Further, reference numeral WH in FIGS. 1 to 3 indicates the wire harness of the present embodiment including the electrical connection box 1.

[0013] The electrical connection box 1 is interposed between a first object to be connected (not shown) and a second object to be connected (not shown), and draws inwards the first electric wire We1 on the first object to be connected side and the second electric wire We2 on the second object to be connected side for electrical connection (FIGS. 1 to 3). And this electrical connection box 1 forms a wire harness WH together with the first electric wire We1 and the second electric wire We2. In this electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH, at least one of the first electric wire We1 and the second electric wire We2 is used. For example, in the electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH shown here, shielded wires are used for the first electric wire We1 and the second electric wire We2, respectively, and measures are taken to prevent the intrusion of noise from the outside. Therefore, hereinafter, the electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH will be described assuming that they include a first shielded wire We1 as an example of the first electric wire We1 and a second shielded wire We2 as an example of the second electric wire We2.

[0014] Although not shown, the first shielded wire We1 includes a columnar conductive core wire, a cylindrical insulating inner covering (inner sheath) that concentrically covers this core wire, a cylindrical conductive braid that concentrically covers this inner covering, and a cylindrical insulating outer covering (outer sheath) that concentrically covers this braid. Further, although not shown, the second shielded wire We2 includes a columnar conductive core wire, a cylindrical insulating inner covering (inner sheath) that concentrically covers this core wire, a cylindrical conductive braid that concentrically covers this inner covering, and a cylindrical insulating outer covering (outer sheath) that concentrically covers this braid.

[0015] The electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH exemplified herein are mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and power is distributed to a power distribution target object by electrically connecting between a secondary battery as a first connection target object and a power distribution target object as a second connection target object (for example, supplementary devices to be powered). Therefore, in the electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH exemplified herein, a pair of first shielded wires We1, We1 (the first shielded wire We1 for the positive electrode and the first shielded wire We1 for the negative electrode) electrically connected to the secondary battery and a pair of second shielded wires We2, We2 (the second shielded wire We2 for the positive electrode and the second shielded wire We2 for the negative electrode) electrically connected to the power distribution target object are used. Further, in the electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH exemplified herein, a plurality of sets of the pair of second shielded wires We2, We2 are used.

[0016] This electrical connection box 1 includes a metal housing 10 (FIGS. 1 to 4). Further, this electrical connection box 1 includes a conductive electrical connector 20 that electrically connects the first shielded wire We1 and the second shielded wire We2 inside the housing 10 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 to 7). Further, this electrical connection box 1 includes a terminal fitting 30 that releases noise riding on the braid of the second shielded wire We2 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6). Further, since this electrical connection box 1 is provided with a wire insertion portion (a second wire insertion portion described later) 16 through which the second shielded wire We2 is inserted across the inside and outside of the housing 10, as a waterproof and dustproof measure for the accommodation chamber 10a of the housing 10, it includes a waterproof and dustproof member 40 that suppresses the intrusion of liquid and dust from outside the housing 10 into the accommodation chamber 10a through the second wire insertion portion 16 (FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, and 8).

[0017] The housing 10 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy and is fixed to a conductive vehicle body (not shown). Further, this housing 10 has an accommodation chamber 10a (FIGS. 2 to 4). And an operation opening 10b is provided in this housing 10 for performing an insertion operation and an assembly operation of components to be arranged in the accommodation chamber 10a (FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0018] The accommodation chamber 10a houses an electrical connector 20 that electrically connects the core wire of the first shielded wire We1 and the core wire of the second shielded wire We2. The first shielded wire We1, the second shielded wire We2, and the electrical connector 20 are inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a through the working opening 10b.

[0019] The housing 10 shown here includes a metal case body 10A and a metal cover 10B (Figs. 1 and 3). The housing 10 is fixed to the vehicle body with the working opening 10b facing upward. For example, here, the case body 10A is screwed and fixed to the floor panel of the vehicle body.

[0020] The case body 10A has a cylindrical outer peripheral wall 11 (Figs. 1 to 4). In this case body 10A, the inner space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 11 is used as the accommodation chamber 10a, and the opening inside the annular end at one end in the cylindrical axis direction of the outer peripheral wall 11 is used as the working opening 10b. The cover 10B is assembled to the annular end face at one end thereof to close the opening (working opening 10b) at one end. The outer peripheral wall 11 shown here is provided with a plane arranged on the same plane as the annular end face at one end, and has a flange portion 11a protruding annularly outward from the annular end at one end (Figs. 2 to 4). The cover 10B is assembled to this flange portion 11a.

[0021] Also, the case body 10A closes the opening at the other end of the cylindrical outer peripheral wall 11 with an open end by a bottom wall 12 (Figs. 1 to 4). Therefore, in this case body 10A, an accommodation chamber 10a surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 11 and the bottom wall 12 and communicating with the working opening 10b at one end of the outer peripheral wall 11 is formed.

[0022] In this case body 10A, the first shielded wire We1 and the second shielded wire We2 are drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a from the side of the opening at one end (working opening 10b). Also, in this case body 10A, the electrical connector 20 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a through the working opening 10b, and the electrical connector 20 is screwed and fixed through the working opening 10b.

[0023] The electrical connector 20 includes a conductive member for electrically connecting the core wire of the first shielded wire We1 and the core wire of the second shielded wire We2. The electrical connector 20 shown here includes, as the conductive member, a first bus bar 21 that electrically connects the core wire of one of the pair of first shielded wires We1, We1 and also electrically connects the core wire of one of the pair of second shielded wires We2, We2, and a second bus bar 22 that electrically connects the core wire of the other of the pair of first shielded wires We1, We1 and also electrically connects the core wire of the other of the pair of second shielded wires We2, We2 (FIG. 7). The main bodies 21a, 22a of the first bus bar 21 and the second bus bar 22 are formed in a plate shape from a metallic material. The first shielded wire We1 is electrically connected to the first bus bar 21 or the second bus bar 22 via the first connector 51 (FIGS. 2 and 3) at one end. Although not shown here, a connector for electrically connecting to the first connection object side is provided at the other end of the first shielded wire We1.

[0024] In addition, the electrical connector 20 includes a fuse 23 that physically and electrically connects the first terminal portion 23a to the first bus bar 21 and is interposed between the first bus bar 21 and one of the second shielded wires We2 (FIG. 7). And this electrical connector 20 further includes, as another conductive member, a third bus bar 24 that physically and electrically connects the second terminal portion 23b of the fuse 23 and also electrically connects the core wire of one of the second shielded wires We2 (FIG. 7). The main body 24a of this third bus bar 24 is formed in a plate shape from a metallic material. The fuse 23 and the third bus bar 24 are provided for each of the one second shielded wires We2. The second shielded wire We2 is electrically connected to the second bus bar 22 or the third bus bar 24 via the second connector 52 (FIGS. 3 and 6) at one end. Although not shown here, a connector for electrically connecting to the second connection object side is provided at the other end of the second shielded wire We2.

[0025] Furthermore, this electrical connector 20 includes a male screw member 25A for screwing and fixing the first terminal portion 23a of the fuse 23 to the first bus bar 21, and a male screw member 25B for screwing and fixing the second terminal portion 23b of the fuse 23 to the third bus bar 24. And this electrical connector 20 includes female screw members 26 that are respectively screwed to the male screw members 25A and 25B (FIG. 7).

[0026] Also, the electrical connector 20 includes an electrically insulating insulating member that holds the conductive members (the first bus bar 21, the second bus bar 22, and the third bus bar 24) and is screwed and fixed to the housing 10 in the accommodation chamber 10a. As this insulating member of the electrical connector 20, there is provided a holding member (hereinafter referred to as a "bus bar holding member") 27 that is responsible for holding the conductive members (the first bus bar 21, the second bus bar 22, and the third bus bar 24) and for screwing and fixing them to the housing 10 (FIGS. 5 to 7). This bus bar holding member 27 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The bus bar holding member 27 shown here is integrally formed by insert molding with respect to the conductive members (the first bus bar 21, the second bus bar 22, and the third bus bar 24). Also, here, the bus bar holding member 27 is integrally formed by insert molding with respect to the male screw members 25A and 25B as well.

[0027] This bus bar holding member 27 exposes the main bodies 21a, 22a, and 24a of the first bus bar 21, the second bus bar 22, and the third bus bar 24, respectively, on the top surface 27U on the work opening 10b side (FIG. 7), and projects the male screw members 25A and 25B from the top surface 27U to the work opening 10b side. In the first bus bar 21 and the third bus bar 24, the exposed surfaces of the main bodies 21a and 24a are used as fuse connection portions. The electrical connector 20 further includes, as another insulating member, a cover member 28 that is assembled to the bus bar holding member 27 and covers the main bodies 21a, 22a, 24a and the male screw members 25A and 25B from the work opening 10b side (FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7). This cover member 28 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0028] In the electrical connector 20, an upper connector for fitting and connecting the first connector 51 is formed on the working opening 10b side of the cover member 28. Here, since a pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 with the first connector 51 are drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a, a first upper connector 28a for fitting and connecting one of the first connectors 51 and a second upper connector 28b for fitting and connecting the other first connector 51 are provided (Figs. 5 and 6). When the first connector 51 of one of the first shielded electric wires We1 is fitted and connected to the first upper connector 28a, the core wire of the one first shielded electric wire We1 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 21b (Fig. 7) of the inner first bus bar 21. Also, when the first connector 51 of the other first shielded electric wire We1 is fitted and connected to the second upper connector 28b, the core wire of the other first shielded electric wire We1 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 22b (Fig. 7) of the inner second bus bar 22.

[0029] In the case body 10A, a pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 are inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a where the electrical connector 20 is accommodated, from the working opening 10b. The first connector 51 of one terminal of one of the first shielded electric wires We1 is fitted and connected to the first upper connector 28a of the electrical connector 20, and the first connector 51 of one terminal of the other first shielded electric wire We1 is fitted and connected to the second upper connector 28b of the electrical connector 20 (Figs. 2, 3, and 5).

[0030] The first upper connector 28a and the second upper connector 28b shown here are formed so as to project toward the opening (working opening 10b) side at one end in the accommodation chamber 10a, and the first connector 51 is to be fitted from the opening (working opening 10b) side at one end toward the bottom wall 12 side. The first upper connector 28a, the second upper connector 28b, and the first connector 51 shown here are formed such that the first upper connector 28a or the second upper connector 28b is inserted inside the first connector 51. Therefore, even if liquid such as water or dust enters the accommodation chamber 10a in this electrical connection box 1, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of liquid and dust into the first upper connector 28a and the second upper connector 28b.

[0031] In the case body 10A, an outer peripheral wall 11 is cut out from an annular end face at one end on the working opening 10b side, and a pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 are inserted across the inside and outside of the housing 10 (in other words, the pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 are drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a from outside the housing 10, or the pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 are drawn out from the accommodation chamber 10a to the outside of the housing 10). An electric wire insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as the "first electric wire insertion portion") 13 is formed (FIGS. 3 and 4). The first electric wire insertion portion 13 shown here is formed in a shape in which the flange portion 11a is also cut out together with the outer peripheral wall 11. The end face on the working opening 10b side in the first electric wire insertion portion 13 is used as an insertion port when inserting the pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 into the first electric wire insertion portion 13. The first electric wire insertion portion 13 forms an opening whose insertion port is blocked by the cover 10B in a state where the cover 10B is assembled to the case body 10A. Here, the opening connects the inside and outside of the housing 10 and is used as an inlet or outlet for the pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1. Incidentally, the first electric wire insertion portion 13 may be provided for each of the first shielded electric wires We1.

[0032] The pair of first shielded electric wires We1, We1 shown here are held in a bundled state by, for example, an electric wire holder 55 made of synthetic resin, and are fixed to the housing 10 via this electric wire holder 55 (FIG. 2). The electric wire holder 55 is disposed in the first electric wire insertion portion 13. Then, the electric wire holder 55 is fixed to the housing 10 by screwing it to the case body 10A. In the accommodation chamber 10a of the case body 10A, an electric wire fixing portion 14 having a male screw member B1 such as a stud bolt is provided in a state of protruding from the inner wall surface 11b of the outer peripheral wall 11 (FIG. 4). The electric wire holder 55 is screwed and fixed to the electric wire fixing portion 14 by screwing a female screw member (not shown) to the male screw member B1.

[0033] Furthermore, in the electrical connector 20, a lower connector for fitting and connecting the second connector 52 on the bottom wall 12 side is formed on the bus bar holding member 27. Here, a pair of second shielded electric wires We2, We2 with the second connector 52 are drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a. For this purpose, here, a first lower connector 27a for fitting and connecting one of the second connectors 52 in the pair of second shielded electric wires We2, We2 and a second lower connector 27b for fitting and connecting the other second connector 52 are provided (FIGS. 3 and 6). Also, here, a plurality of pairs of second shielded electric wires We2, We2 with the second connector 52 are drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a. For this purpose, here, the first lower connector 27a and the second lower connector 27b are provided in pairs for each combination of the pair of second shielded electric wires We2, We2.

[0034] The first lower connector 27a and the second lower connector 27b are formed on the lower surface 27L on the bottom wall 12 side of the bus bar holding member 27 (FIGS. 3 and 6). The first lower connector 27a electrically connects the core wire of one of the second shielded electric wires We2 to the terminal portion (not shown) of the inner third bus bar 24 when the second connector 52 of one of the second shielded electric wires We2 in the pair of second shielded electric wires We2, We2 is fitted and connected. This first lower connector 27a is provided for each third bus bar 24 (for each one of the second shielded electric wires We2). Also, the second lower connector 27b electrically connects the core wire of the other second shielded electric wire We2 to the terminal portion (not shown) of the inner second bus bar 22 when the second connector 52 of the other second shielded electric wire We2 in the pair of second shielded electric wires We2, We2 is fitted and connected. This second lower connector 27b is provided for each terminal portion 22c of the second bus bar 22 (for each of the other second shielded electric wires We2).

[0035] Thus, in this electrical connection box 1, the case body 10A has the bottom wall 12, and the first lower connector 27a and the second connector 52, and the second lower connector 27b and the second connector 52 are fitted and connected on the side of the bottom wall 12 rather than the electrical connector 20 in the accommodation chamber 10a. For this reason, this electrical connection box 1 can prevent contact of fingers or wires {fingers or wires defined by the IP (International Protection) standard} with the first lower connector 27a, the second lower connector 27b, and the second connector 52 in the accommodation chamber 10a, so it is suitable for electric shock prevention measures. Also, even if liquid such as water enters the accommodation chamber 10a in this electrical connection box 1, the liquid does not directly act on the first lower connector 27a, the second lower connector 27b, and the second connector 52 in the accommodation chamber 10a, so it is suitable for waterproofing measures.

[0036] Furthermore, the first lower connector 27a and the second lower connector 27b are formed such that the second connector 52 is fitted into the one - end opening (working opening 10b) side from the bottom wall 12 side. For this reason, in this electrical connection box 1, the second shielded wire We2 drawn from the one - end opening (working opening 10b) side is routed toward the bottom wall 12, and is folded back toward the one - end opening (working opening 10b) side on the bottom wall 12 side, and the second connector 52 of the second shielded wire We2 is fitted and connected to the first lower connector 27a or the second lower connector 27b. Therefore, in this electrical connection box 1, even if liquid such as water enters the accommodation chamber 10a and the liquid is guided to the bottom wall 12 side along the second shielded wire We2, this liquid can be dropped onto the bottom wall 12 without touching the first lower connector 27a, the second lower connector 27b, and the second connector 52. Therefore, this electrical connection box 1 is further suitable for waterproofing measures.

[0037] The electrical connector 20 fixes the bus bar holding member 27 or the cover member 28 to the fixing portion 15 of the housing 10 with a screw member (male screw member or female screw member) in the accommodation chamber 10a (Figs. 3 and 4). The fixing portion 15 is a portion protruding from the inner wall surface 11b of the outer peripheral wall 11 of the case main body 10A and has a plane facing the working opening 10b and parallel to the working opening 10b. A female screw portion N2 having a screw axis in a direction orthogonal to the plane is formed in the fixing portion 15 (Fig. 4). The bus bar holding member 27 or the cover member 28 has a flat plate-like single body protruding from its outer peripheral surface, and a fixed portion 27c is provided in the accommodation chamber 10a with one plane facing the working opening 10b and the other plane facing the bottom wall 12 (Figs. 3 and 5 to 7). A through hole 27c1 for inserting the male screw member B2 is formed in the fixed portion 27c (Figs. 5 to 7). The fixed portion 27c is placed with the other plane on the plane of the fixing portion 15 on the working opening 10b side, and the male screw member B2 inserted into the through hole 27c1 is screwed into the female screw portion N2, thereby fixing it to the fixing portion 15 with screws. Thereby, the bus bar holding member 27 or the cover member 28 is fixed to the case main body 10A in the accommodation chamber 10a. Here, the fixed portion 27c is provided on the bus bar holding member 27, and the bus bar holding member 27 is fixed to the fixing portion 15 of the housing 10 with screws.

[0038] This electrical connection box 1 is provided with a plurality of sets (here, 4 sets) of combinations of the corresponding fixing portion 15 and the fixed portion 27c. In this electrical connection box 1, a male screw member (not shown) such as a stud bolt may be provided in the fixing portion 15, and the fixing portion 15 and the fixed portion 27c may be fixed with screws by screwing a female screw member (not shown) into the male screw member.

[0039] The accommodation chamber 10a is roughly divided into a space (hereinafter referred to as the "first accommodation chamber") 10a1 from the assembled indoor electrical connector 20 to the opening at one end (working opening 10b) and a space (hereinafter referred to as the "second accommodation chamber") 10a2 from the indoor electrical connector 20 to the bottom wall 12 in the chamber (Fig. 3). That is, in this accommodation chamber 10a, the indoor electrical connector 20 can act as a wall to prevent the intrusion of fingers or wires (fingers and wires defined in the IP standard) from the opening (working opening 10b) at one end into the second accommodation chamber 10a2. Therefore, this electrical junction box 1 is more suitable for electric shock prevention measures.

[0040] In this accommodation chamber 10a, the first shielded wire We1 with the first connector 51 is accommodated in the first accommodation chamber 10a1, and this first shielded wire We1 is drawn out from the first accommodation chamber 10a1. Also, in this accommodation chamber 10a, the second shielded wire We2 with the second connector 52 is accommodated in the second accommodation chamber 10a2, and this second shielded wire We2 is routed from the second accommodation chamber 10a2 to the first accommodation chamber 10a1 and then drawn out from the first accommodation chamber 10a1.

[0041] Here, one end terminal's second connector 52 of all the second shielded wires We2 is fitted and connected to the first lower connector 27a or the second lower connector 27b before the electrical connector 20 is housed in the accommodation chamber 10a (Fig. 3). Therefore, when the electrical connector 20 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a from the working opening 10b, the second shielded wire We2 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a from the working opening 10b together with this electrical connector 20. Also, for example, before the second shielded wire We2 is housed in the accommodation chamber 10a, the terminal fitting 30 and the waterproof and dustproof member 40 are assembled (Fig. 3). The terminal fitting 30 and the waterproof and dustproof member 40 are assembled to the housing 10 (here, the case body 10A) after the second shielded wire We2 is housed in the accommodation chamber 10a.

[0042] The terminal fitting 30 is an earthing member for discharging the noise riding on the braided body of the second shielded electric wire We2 from the housing 10 to the vehicle body. Therefore, this terminal fitting 30 is formed of a metallic material and physically and electrically connects the braided body of the second shielded electric wire We2. And this terminal fitting 30 is physically and electrically connected to the housing 10.

[0043] The terminal fitting 30 has an electrical connection part 31 to which the braided body of the second shielded electric wire We2 is physically and electrically connected, and a fixed part 32 that is fixed to the housing 10 in the accommodation chamber 10a (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0044] Specifically, the electrical connection part 31 is a cylindrical part that is physically and electrically connected to the braided body of the second shielded electric wire We2 whose outer covering has been partially or completely stripped off to expose it. The electrical connection part 31 shown here arranges the exposed braided body inside the cylinder and physically and electrically connects the inner peripheral wall of the cylinder to the exposed braided body. For example, the electrical connection part 31 has a single-piece shape before being connected to the braided body, and by winding this around the exposed braided body from the outside and crimping it, the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical body is physically and electrically connected to the braided body.

[0045] The fixed part 32 is formed as a flat single piece, and a circular through hole 32a is formed (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0046] The terminal fitting 30 shown here is formed as a flag terminal (FIGS. 5 and 6). A flag terminal is one in which two electrical connection parts 31 with their cylinder axis directions aligned in the same direction are arranged in parallel, and the fixed part 32 is offset with respect to the aggregate of these two electrical connection parts 31.

[0047] This terminal fitting 30 is provided for each combination of a pair of a first lower connector 27a and a second lower connector 27b. In this terminal fitting 30, an assembly of a second shielded wire We2 connected to one of the pair of the first lower connector 27a and the second lower connector 27b is physically and electrically connected to one of the two electrical connection portions 31, and an assembly of the second shielded wire We2 connected to the other of the pair of the first lower connector 27a and the second lower connector 27b is physically and electrically connected to the other of the two electrical connection portions 31.

[0048] This terminal fitting 30 is fixed to the housing 10 in the accommodation chamber 10a. The terminal fitting 30 shown here is arranged in the accommodation chamber 10a near a second wire insertion portion 16 (to be described later) of the case body 10A and fixed to the case body 10A. Further, this electrical connection box 1 includes a plurality of terminal fittings 30. In this electrical connection box 1, all the terminal fittings 30 are arranged in the accommodation chamber 10a near the second wire insertion portion 16 for each terminal fitting 30 and fixed to the case body 10A.

[0049] In the case body 10A, an outer peripheral wall 11 is cut out from an annular end face at one end on the side of the working opening 10b, and a wire insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as "second wire insertion portion") 16 through which the second shielded wire We2 is inserted across the inside and outside of the housing 10 (in other words, the second shielded wire We2 is drawn into the accommodation chamber 10a from outside the housing 10, or the second shielded wire We2 is drawn out from the accommodation chamber 10a to the outside of the housing 10) is formed (FIGS. 3 and 4). The second wire insertion portion 16 shown here is formed in a shape in which a flange portion 11a is also cut out together with the outer peripheral wall 11. An end face on the side of the working opening 10b in the second wire insertion portion 16 is used as an insertion port when inserting a pair of second shielded wires We2, We2 into the second wire insertion portion 16. The second wire insertion portion 16 forms an opening whose insertion port is blocked by the cover 10B in a state where the cover 10B is assembled to the case body 10A. Here, the opening connects the inside and outside of the housing 10 and is used as an inlet or an outlet for the second shielded wire We2.

[0050] The second wire insertion part 16 shown here is formed for each terminal fitting 30 (that is, for each combination of a set of a first lower connector 27a and a second lower connector 27b). For each terminal fitting 30, two second shielded wires We2 connected to the two electrical connection parts 31 of the terminal fitting 30 are inserted through the inside and outside of the housing 10. Incidentally, the second wire insertion part 16 may be provided for each of the respective second shielded wires We2.

[0051] This second wire insertion part 16 also serves as a protective member holding part for holding the waterproof and dustproof member 40. Therefore, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 is inserted together with the second shielded wire We2 into this second wire insertion part 16, and this waterproof and dustproof member 40 is assembled.

[0052] The waterproof and dustproof member 40 is a member that suppresses the intrusion of liquid and dust from the outside of the housing 10 into the accommodation chamber 10a through the second wire insertion part 16. For this reason, this waterproof and dustproof member 40 is an elastically deformable member formed of a rubber material. Since this waterproof and dustproof member 40 passes the second shielded wire We2 through it, it is formed in a shape that suppresses the intrusion of liquid and dust from the outside of the housing 10 into the wire insertion path (wire insertion path 41a described later) of this second shielded wire We2. Further, since this waterproof and dustproof member 40 is assembled to the second wire insertion part 16, it is formed in a shape that suppresses the intrusion of liquid and dust from the outside of the housing 10 between this second wire insertion part 16.

[0053] Incidentally, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 shown here is also a member that covers the second shielded wire We2 and protects it from surrounding parts.

[0054] This waterproof and dustproof member 40 has a wire protection portion 41 that covers the second shielded wire We2 and protects it from peripheral components (mainly the housing 10) (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8). This wire protection portion 41 is formed to cover the second shielded wire We2 from peripheral components by inserting the second shielded wire We2 inward. In the waterproof and dustproof member 40, the inside of this wire protection portion 41 serves as an insertion path for the second shielded wire We2 (wire insertion path 41a), and the intrusion of liquid and dust into this wire insertion path 41a is suppressed by an opening covering portion 44 described later.

[0055] In the second wire insertion portion 16, this wire protection portion 41 is inserted together with the second shielded wire We2, and the second shielded wire We2 covered by this wire protection portion 41 is inserted across the inside and outside of the housing 10. Therefore, in this electrical connection box 1, interference of the peripheral components (housing 10) with the portion of the second shielded wire We2 located inside the second wire insertion portion 16 by this wire protection portion 41 can be suppressed.

[0056] The electrical connection box 1 shown here is provided with a waterproof and dustproof member 40 for each second wire insertion portion 16 (that is, for each terminal fitting 30). For this reason, the wire protection portion 41 shown here is formed to insert two second shielded wires We2 connected to the two electrical connection portions 31 of the terminal fitting 30.

[0057] This wire protection portion 41 has a protruding portion 42 that protrudes outside the housing 10 more than the second wire insertion portion 16 and pulls out the second shielded wire We2 outside the housing 10 (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8). That is, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 covers the second shielded wire We2 with the protruding portion 42 of the wire protection portion 41 even outside the housing 10, and the wire protection portion 41 covers the second shielded wire We2 from the second wire insertion portion 16 to the outside of the housing 10. For this reason, in this electrical connection box 1, interference of the peripheral components (mainly the housing 10) with the portion of the second shielded wire We2 pulled out from the second wire insertion portion 16 to the outside of the housing 10 by the protruding portion 42 of the wire protection portion 41 can be suppressed.

[0058] This wire protection part 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape such that the inside of the cylinder serves as a wire insertion passage 41a through which the second shielded wire We2 is inserted (FIG. 8). In this wire protection part 41, the opening at one end in the cylinder axis direction (the opening of the protruding part 42) is used as a wire lead-out port (hereinafter referred to as the "outer wire lead-out port") 41b for leading the second shielded wire We2 outside the housing 10. Further, in this wire protection part 41, the opening at the other end in the cylinder axis direction is used as a wire lead-out port (hereinafter referred to as the "inner wire lead-out port") 41c for leading the second shielded wire We2 to the accommodation chamber 10a side. The wire protection part 41 shown here is formed in a square tube shape.

[0059] Also, the protruding part 42 of this wire protection part 41 is formed in a bellows shape that can expand and contract in the cylinder axis direction at the end on the outer wire lead-out port 41b side in order to absorb displacement in the cylinder axis direction (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8).

[0060] Furthermore, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 has an annular held part 43 that is inserted from the insertion port into the second wire insertion part 16 and held in the space between the second wire insertion part 16 and the cover 10B (FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 8). This held part 43 is coaxial with the wire protection part 41 and is an annular part bulged from the part located in the second wire insertion part 16 on the outer peripheral surface of this wire protection part 41. The held part 43 shown here is formed in a square annular shape in accordance with the square tube-shaped wire protection part 41.

[0061] Here, the second wire insertion part 16 expands the holding space of its held part 43 by protruding from the outer wall surface 11c of the outer peripheral wall 11 more than the flange part 11a (FIG. 4). Also, the second wire insertion part 16 has a wall part 16b (FIG. 4) provided at the opening outside the housing 10 or the like, making the area of the opening smaller than the cross-sectional area of the orthogonal cross-section of the held part 43 in the axial direction. For this reason, in this electrical connection box 1, the effect of suppressing the intrusion of liquids such as water and dust from between the second wire insertion part 16 and the held part 43 can be enhanced.

[0062] Furthermore, this waterproof and dustproof member 40 has an opening covering portion 44 that covers the outer wire outlet 41b from the outside while being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second shielded wire We2 drawn out from the outer wire outlet 41b of the protruding portion 42 (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8). Since this waterproof and dustproof member 40 is formed of a rubber material, the opening covering portion 44 is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second shielded wire We2 while being elastically deformed.

[0063] This opening covering portion 44 protrudes in a state of facing each other from two locations on the end surface on the outer wire outlet 41b side of the protruding portion 42 so as to sandwich the second shielded wire We2 drawn out from the outer wire outlet 41b. The opening covering portion 44 shown here protrudes as a cantilevered rectangular piece from two side portions of the angular annular end surface of the protruding portion 42. In addition, the two opening covering portions 44 shown here are formed such that the distance between their free ends is narrower than the wire diameter of one second shielded wire We2 in the initial state before elastic deformation when not in close contact with the second shielded wire We2. Therefore, these two opening covering portions 44 protrude in a state inclined with respect to the cylinder axis direction from the end surface of the protruding portion 42 so as to approach each other from the fixed end toward the free end. As a result, when the second shielded wire We2 is drawn out from the outer wire outlet 41b, these two opening covering portions 44 elastically deform from the free end side and, with their elastic restoring force, come into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second shielded wire We2 and, in cooperation with the second shielded wire We2, cover the outer wire outlet 41b from the outside. Therefore, this waterproof and dustproof member 40 can enhance the effect of suppressing the intrusion of liquids such as water and dust from the outer wire outlet 41b by this opening covering portion 44.

[0064] Furthermore, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 has tape winding portions 45 protruding from two locations on the end face on the outer wire lead-out port 41b side of the protruding portion 42 and at locations different from the opening covering portion 44 (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8). In this waterproof and dustproof member 40, the second shielded wire We2 drawn out from the outer wire lead-out port 41b is fixed to the tape winding portion 45 by winding an adhesive tape (not shown) around the second shielded wire We2 and the tape winding portion 45. The tape winding portion 45 shown here protrudes from two side portions arranged opposite to each other and different from the opening covering portion 44 as cantilevered pieces from the angular annular end face of the protruding portion 42, protruding more than the opening covering portion 44.

[0065] As shown above, in this electrical connection box 1, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 is provided in a pair with the terminal fitting 30, and the waterproof and dustproof member 40 suppresses interference between the two second shielded wires We2 connected to the two electrical connection portions 31 of the terminal fitting 30 and peripheral components. For this reason, in this electrical connection box 1, by arranging the terminal fitting 30 close to the waterproof and dustproof member 40, displacement of the second shielded wire We2 routed between the terminal fitting 30 and the waterproof and dustproof member 40 is suppressed.

[0066] For example, the terminal fitting 30 shown here is arranged to connect the braided body of the second shielded wire We2 drawn out from the inner wire lead-out port 41c of the waterproof and dustproof member 40 to the electrical connection portion 31 at the drawn end. For this purpose, the case body 10A has a fixing portion 17 for placing and fixing the fixed portion 32 of the terminal fitting 30 for each terminal fitting 30 on the working opening 10b side of the accommodation chamber 10a (Fig. 4).

[0067] This fixing portion 17 has a plane orthogonal to the cylinder axis direction of the outer peripheral wall 11 on the working opening 10b side, and uses this orthogonal plane as the mounting surface of the portion to be fixed 32. The portion to be fixed 32 is screwed and fixed to the fixing portion 17 with a screw member having a screw axis in the direction orthogonal to the mounting surface of the fixing portion 17. Therefore, in this electrical connection box 1, after the electrical connector 20 is housed in the housing chamber 10a, the terminal fitting 30 can be screwed and fixed to the case main body 10A from the working opening 10b, so that the assembling workability of the terminal fitting 30 can be improved. For example, in the fixing portion 17 shown here, a male screw member B3 such as a stud bolt is vertically provided, and the portion to be fixed 32 through which the male screw member B3 is inserted into the through hole 32a is placed thereon (FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6). The portion to be fixed 32 is screwed and fixed to the fixing portion 17 with a female screw member N3 screwed to the male screw member B3 (FIG. 2).

[0068] As the terminal fitting 30 shown here, when two second shielded electric wires We2 are arranged side by side along the working opening 10b and these two second shielded electric wires We2 are introduced into the wire protection portion 41 of the waterproof and dustproof member 40 in their arranged state, two electrical connection portions 31 are arranged along the plane of the portion to be fixed 32 so that the two electrical connection portions 31 are arranged along the working opening 10b (first terminal fitting 30A) is used (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6). Also, as the terminal fitting 30 shown here, when two second shielded electric wires We2 are arranged side by side along the cylinder axis direction of the outer peripheral wall 11 and these two second shielded electric wires We2 are introduced into the wire protection portion 41 of the waterproof and dustproof member 40 in their arranged state, two electrical connection portions 31 are arranged in the direction orthogonal to the plane of the portion to be fixed 32 so that the two electrical connection portions 31 are arranged along the cylinder axis direction of the outer peripheral wall 11 (second terminal fitting 30B) is used (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6).

[0069] In this electrical connection box 1, first, all the second shielded electric wires We2 with the second connectors 52 are assembled to the electrical connectors 20, and the terminal fittings 30 and the waterproof and dustproof members 40 are assembled to all the second shielded electric wires We2. Next, in this electrical connection box 1, the electrical connectors 20 and the second shielded electric wires We2 are inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a through the working opening 10b, and the electrical connectors 20 are assembled to the case body 10A. Then, in this electrical connection box 1, the fixed portion 32 of the terminal fitting 30 is placed on the fixing portion 17 of the case body 10A, and the held portion 43 of the waterproof and dustproof member 40 is inserted into the second electric wire insertion portion 16 of the case body 10A, and the fixed portion 32 is screwed and fixed to the fixing portion 17. Also, in this electrical connection box 1, the two first shielded electric wires We1 with the first connectors 51 are inserted into the accommodation chamber 10a through the working opening 10b, and these are assembled to the electrical connectors 20 in the accommodation chamber 10a and the case body 10A. Thereafter, in this electrical connection box 1, the cover 10B is assembled to the case body 10A, and the working opening 10b is closed with this cover 10B. A female screw portion N4 is formed on the flange portion 11a of the case body 10A shown here, and the cover 10B is placed with the center of a through hole (not shown) aligned with the screw axis of this female screw portion N4 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The cover 10B is screwed and fixed to the flange portion 11a by screwing the male screw member B4 inserted through the through hole to the female screw portion N4 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0070] As described above, in the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment, the case main body 10A has the bottom wall 12, and the first lower connector 27a and the second connector 52, and the second lower connector 27b and the second connector 52 are fitted and connected on the bottom wall 12 side rather than the electrical connector 20 in the accommodation chamber 10a. Therefore, it is suitable for electric shock prevention and waterproofing measures. Therefore, this electrical connection box 1 can be mounted on a vehicle that requires more strict electric shock prevention and waterproofing measures compared to the case of mounting on a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as a power source or a vehicle that uses a low-voltage rotating machine in the power train (such as a hybrid vehicle equipped with a so-called mild hybrid system), that is, a vehicle that uses a high-voltage rotating machine in the power train (such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle equipped with a so-called strong hybrid system, etc.).

[0071] Furthermore, in the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment, at the tip where the second shielded wire We2 is folded back toward the opening at one end (working opening 10b) on the bottom wall 12 side, the second connector 52 of the second shielded wire We2 is fitted and connected to the first lower connector 27a or the second lower connector 27b toward the opening at one end (working opening 10b) side. Therefore, this electrical connection box 1 is suitable for waterproofing measures for the first lower connector 27a, the second lower connector 27b, and the second connector 52 against liquids such as water that have traveled along the second shielded wire We2 to the bottom wall 12 side.

[0072] Moreover, in the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment, the second wire insertion portion 16 is closed with the waterproof and dustproof member 40. Therefore, the waterproof and dustproof member 40 can prevent the intrusion of fingers and wires (fingers and wires defined in the IP standard) from the second wire insertion portion 16 into the accommodation chamber 10a. Therefore, this electrical connection box 1 is also suitable for electric shock prevention measures from this point of view.

[0073] Furthermore, the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment can prevent the intrusion of liquids such as water and dust from between the waterproof and dustproof member 40 and the second wire insertion portion 16 by the waterproof and dustproof member 40 assembled to the second wire insertion portion 16. In this electrical connection box 1, in order to enhance the intrusion prevention effect, it is desirable to bring the outer peripheral surface of the held portion 43 of the waterproof and dustproof member 40 into close contact with the second wire insertion portion 16 and the cover 10B. In addition, since the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the opening covering portion 44 at the tip of the waterproof and dustproof member 40, it can prevent the intrusion of liquids such as water and dust from the outer wire lead-out port 41b. Thus, the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment is suitable for the waterproof measures of the accommodation chamber 10a in this respect.

[0074] In addition, the wire harness WH of the present embodiment includes such an electrical connection box 1, and can exhibit the same effects as those obtained by this electrical connection box 1.

[0075] By the way, in this electrical connection box 1, it is desirable that the plurality of waterproof and dustproof members 40 are the same parts in terms of reducing costs and improving the assembly workability associated with preventing misassembly. Here, the same parts are used for all the waterproof and dustproof members 40.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1 Electrical connection box 10 Housing 10a Accommodation chamber 10a1 First accommodation chamber 10a2 Second accommodation chamber 10b Working opening (opening at one end) 10A Case body 10B Cover 11 Outer peripheral wall 12 Bottom wall 16 Second wire insertion portion (wire insertion portion) 20 Electrical connector 27a First lower connector (lower connector) 27b Second lower connector (lower connector) 28a First upper connector (upper connector) 28b Second upper connector (upper connector) 30 Terminal fitting 31 Electrical connection part 32 Fixed part 40 Waterproof and dustproof member 51 First connector 52 Second connector We1 First shielded wire We2 Second shielded wire WH Wire harness

Claims

1. A metal housing having a storage chamber and fixed to a conductive vehicle body, an electrical connector for electrically connecting the core wire of the first shielded wire on the first connection object side and the core wire of the second shielded wire on the second connection object side drawn into the storage chamber from outside the housing, a terminal fitting having an electrical connection portion to which the braided body of the second shielded wire is physically and electrically connected, and a fixed portion fixed to the housing in the storage chamber, comprising: The housing has a storage chamber surrounded by a cylindrical outer peripheral wall with one end open and a bottom wall closing the opening at the other end of the outer peripheral wall, and includes a case body for drawing the first shielded wire and the second shielded wire into the storage chamber from the open end side, and a cover closing the opening at the one end of the outer peripheral wall. The electrical connector includes an upper connector for fitting and connecting the first connector at the terminal of the first shielded wire on the open end side, and a lower connector for fitting and connecting the second connector at the terminal of the second shielded wire on the bottom wall side. An electrical connection box characterized by that.

2. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein the lower connector is formed to fit the second connector from the bottom wall side toward the open end side.

3. The storage chamber of the electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2 is roughly divided into a first storage chamber from the electrical connector in the chamber to the open end, and a second storage chamber from the electrical connector in the chamber to the bottom wall.

4. The case body has a wire insertion portion for inserting the second shielded wire across the inside and outside of the housing. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a waterproof and dustproof member for suppressing the intrusion of liquid and dust from outside the housing into the storage chamber is assembled to the wire insertion portion.

5. The first shielded wire on the first connection object side, the second shielded wire on the second connection object side, a metal housing having a storage chamber and fixed to a conductive vehicle body, an electrical connector for electrically connecting the core wire of the first shielded wire and the core wire of the second shielded wire drawn into the storage chamber from outside the housing, a terminal fitting having an electrical connection portion to which the braided body of the second shielded wire is physically and electrically connected, and a fixed portion fixed to the housing in the storage chamber, comprising: The housing has a housing chamber surrounded by a cylindrical outer peripheral wall with one end opened and a bottom wall closing the opening at the other end of the outer peripheral wall, and includes a case body for drawing the first shielded electric wire and the second shielded electric wire into the housing chamber from the opening side of the one end, and a cover for closing the opening at the one end of the outer peripheral wall. The wire harness is characterized in that the electrical connector includes an upper connector for fitting and connecting a first connector at the terminal of the first shielded electric wire on the opening side of the one end, and a lower connector for fitting and connecting a second connector at the terminal of the second shielded electric wire on the bottom wall side.

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