Power supply system and connection method

Abstract

To provide a power supply system which can attain downsizing a power supply system and flexibly switching a circuit according to need.SOLUTION: A power supply system 1 includes a housing 10 and one selected from an electronic component 5 and a relay unit 20 with the electronic component 5 equipped thereto. The housing 10 stores a first input terminal 11 and an output terminal 14 and has a first equipment unit 13 to which the electronic component 5 can be equipped. The relay unit 20 stores a second input terminal 23 and a relay terminal 25 having a contact part which can be electrically connected to the output terminal 14, and includes: a relay part 24 which can be equipped to the first equipment unit 13 of the housing 10 and including the contact part of the relay terminal 25; and a second equipment unit 26 to which the electronic component 5 can be equipped. The electronic component 5 is equipped to the first equipment unit 13 when the first power source 2 is used, and the relay part 24 of the relay unit 20 is equipped to the first equipment unit 13 when the second power source 3 is used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system for outputting power to an electrical load using a selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources, and a connection method for electrically connecting the selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources to an electrical load. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in electrical connection boxes mounted on vehicles, cavities for accommodating electronic components such as relays, fuses, and fusible links have been provided in advance in the frame of the electrical connection box, and electronic components selected according to the vehicle specifications, such as differences in vehicle grade and the presence or absence of optional equipment, are accommodated in the corresponding cavities (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-248361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, vehicle electrical junction boxes are sometimes designed to include not only required cavities regardless of the vehicle specifications but also spare cavities selectively used for each vehicle specification, so that a common electrical junction box can be installed on multiple types of vehicles with different specifications. While such an electrical junction box has the advantage of versatility, it has a disadvantage in terms of miniaturization and manufacturing cost reduction because it requires providing an excess of spare cavities in the frame that may be unused depending on the vehicle specifications. In particular, when upgrading a vehicle after its sale, for example, by adding optional equipment, it may be necessary to switch the circuit comprising the power supply system including the electrical junction box. In such cases, it is considered that the above-mentioned conventional electrical junction boxes make it even more difficult to achieve miniaturization of the electrical junction box.

[0005] As can be understood from the above explanation, not only in electrical junction boxes for vehicles, but also in power supply systems that supply power from a power source to an electrical load, it is generally difficult to achieve both miniaturization of the system configuration and the ability to flexibly switch the circuits that make up the power supply system as needed.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system that can achieve both miniaturization of the power supply system and flexible circuit switching as needed, and a connection method for connecting a power source and a load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the "power supply system" according to the present invention has the following features.

[0008] A power supply system for outputting power to an electrical load using a selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources, comprising: a housing that accommodates a first input terminal for receiving power from a first power source that is the selected power source and an output terminal for outputting power, and that has a first mounting portion on which an electronic component that connects the first input terminal and the output terminal can be mounted; one selected from the electronic component and a relay unit to which the electronic component is attached; The relay unit includes: a relay portion that accommodates a second input terminal for inputting power from a second power source that is the selected power source different from the first power source and a relay terminal that has a contact portion that can be electrically connected to the output terminal, and that is attachable to the first attachment portion of the housing and in which the contact portion of the relay terminal is arranged; and a second attachment portion in which the electronic component that connects the relay terminal and the second input terminal can be attached; When the first power source is used, the electronic component is mounted on the first mounting portion; When the second power source is used, the relay section of the relay unit is attached to the first attachment section. It is a power supply system.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the "connection method" according to the present invention is characterized as follows.

[0010] A connection method for electrically connecting a selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources to an electrical load, the method comprising: a power supply selection step of selecting, as the selected power supply, either a first power supply or a second power supply different from the first power supply; a circuit connection step of performing either a first connection step performed when the first power source is used or a second connection step performed when the second power source is used; In the first connecting step, a housing that accommodates a first input terminal for receiving power from the first power source and an output terminal for outputting power, and that has a first mounting portion on which an electronic component that connects the first input terminal and the output terminal can be mounted, and the electronic component is mounted in the first mounting portion of the housing; In the second connecting step, using a relay unit that houses a second input terminal for receiving power from the second power source and a relay terminal having a contact portion electrically connectable to the output terminal, and that has: a relay portion that is attachable to the first attachment portion of the housing and in which the contact portion of the relay terminal is arranged; and a second attachment portion in which the electronic component that connects the relay terminal and the second input terminal can be attached; attaching the electronic component to the second attachment portion of the relay unit, and attaching the relay portion of the relay unit to the first attachment portion of the housing; It is a connection method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the "power supply system" and "connection method" of the present invention, when selecting an arbitrary power source (i.e., a first power source or a second power source) from a plurality of power sources, if the first power source is selected, an electronic component is mounted in a first mounting portion (e.g., a cavity) of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to a load. If the second power source is selected, a relay portion of a relay unit with an electronic component mounted thereon is mounted in the first mounting portion of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to a load. That is, regardless of whether the first power source or the second power source is selected, the first mounting portion of the housing is shared to form a circuit for supplying power to a load. Therefore, compared to providing a different spare cavity in the housing for each selected power source, space and material for providing an excess cavity are not required, which allows for a smaller housing and reduced manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when switching from the first power source to the second power source, it is only necessary to mount a relay unit connected to the second power source in the first mounting portion of the housing, which allows for flexible switching of the circuit for supplying power to the load as needed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization of the power supply system and flexible circuit switching as required.

[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the detailed description of the invention below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fusible link is attached to a housing when a first selected power source (power source) is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the relay unit is attached to the housing when the second selected power source (separate power source) is used. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration when the first selected power supply (power supply) is used. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration when a second selected power supply (separate power supply) is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <Embodiment> 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a method for connecting a selected power source to a load in the power supply system 1. The power supply system 1 is typically a system for supplying power from a power source 2 or a separate power source 3 mounted on a vehicle to electrical loads 4 such as various electrical components (see FIG. 1) via a fusible link 5 and an electrical connection box 6 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0015] For ease of explanation, the following definitions of "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" are used, as shown in FIG. 1. The "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "upper-lower direction" are perpendicular to one another. Note that these directions are defined for ease of explanation and do not necessarily correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and upper-lower direction of the vehicle when the electrical junction box 6 is mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, the side of the electrical junction box 6 facing the interior is referred to as the inside, and the side of the electrical junction box 6 facing the exterior is referred to as the outside.

[0016] In the power supply system 1, the power source 2 or the separate power source 3 is selected based on the various electrical equipment (loads 4) installed in the vehicle, the presence or absence of optional electrical equipment, and the addition (upgrade) of optional equipment after the vehicle is sold.

[0017] First, the configuration of the power supply system 1 when the power supply 2 is used as the selected power supply will be described below. In this case, power is supplied to the bus bar 11 of the housing 10 from the power supply 2 provided outside the electrical junction box 6 via an electric wire or the like (not shown).

[0018] A resin frame (not shown) is provided inside the electrical junction box 6 (see Figures 7 and 8), and the housing 10 shown in Figure 1 is disposed in this frame. For ease of explanation, the frame is not shown in Figure 1, and only the housing 10 is shown. The housing 10 may be provided integrally with the frame as a part thereof, or may be a separate component that is attached to the frame. A bus bar 11 is fixed to the frame by insert molding or by press-fitting into a predetermined engagement groove. The power source 2 corresponds to the "first power source" in this invention, and the bus bar 11 corresponds to the "first input terminal" in this invention.

[0019] Bus bar 11 is accommodated in terminal accommodating chamber 12 located below and in front of housing 10. As shown in Fig. 3, a cavity 13 having a concave shape that opens upward is provided above housing 10. Bus bar 11 has a thin tab shape and is inserted upward through through hole 13a provided below cavity 13, protruding into cavity 13.

[0020] The output terminal 14 is crimped to an end of an electric wire 7 extending from a load 4 provided outside the electrical junction box 6, and is accommodated in a terminal accommodating chamber 15 located below and at the rear of the housing 10. The upper end of the output terminal 14 is inserted upward through a through-hole 13b provided below the cavity 13, and protrudes into the cavity 13. When the output terminal 14 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 15, it engages with a lance 16 provided on the inner wall of the terminal accommodating chamber 15, thereby being held in a predetermined position within the terminal accommodating chamber 15. The cavity 13 corresponds to the "first mounting portion" in this invention.

[0021] The fusible link 5 has a structure in which a fusing portion 51 that melts when a current exceeding a predetermined rated current flows is stored in a resin case 52 having an outer shape that can be accommodated in the cavity 13 of the housing 10 (see FIG. 3). The fusible link 5 is attached by being inserted from above into the cavity 13 of the housing 10 from above downward, and electrically connects the upper end of the bus bar 11 and the upper end of the output terminal 14 via the fusing portion 51.

[0022] As described above, by attaching the fusible link 5 to the cavity 13 of the housing 10, a power supply circuit having the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 7 is configured. In this case, power supplied from the power source 2 is supplied to the load 4 via the bus bar 11, the fusible link 5, and the output terminal 14 in this order.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the power supply system 1 when the separate power source 3 is used as the selected power source will be described. In this case, the relay unit 20 is attached to the same housing 10 as when the power source 2 is used. Note that the same components as when the power source 2 is used are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The relay unit 20 is made of resin and is a separate component from the frame of the electrical junction box 6. Power is supplied to the relay unit 20 via an electric wire 21 from a separate power source 3 different from the power source 2. The separate power source 3 corresponds to the "second power source" in the present invention.

[0025] A terminal 23 crimped onto an end of an electric wire 21 is accommodated in a terminal accommodating chamber 22 disposed above and behind the relay unit 20. The front end of the terminal 23 is inserted into a through-hole 22a provided at the rear of the cavity 26 and protrudes into the cavity 26. The terminal 23 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 22 from the rear and is held in a predetermined position within the terminal accommodating chamber 22 by engaging with a lance 27 provided on the inner wall of the terminal accommodating chamber 22. The terminal 23 corresponds to the "second input terminal" in this invention.

[0026] A lower end of the relay terminal 25 protrudes from the relay portion 24 disposed below the relay unit 20. The upper end of the relay terminal 25 is inserted into a through-hole 22b provided at the rear of the cavity 26 and protrudes into the cavity 26. The relay terminal 25 has a generally L-shaped configuration, with an upper end 25a extending in the front-rear direction and a lower end extending in the up-down direction. The relay terminal 25 is held in a predetermined position in the relay unit 20 by a holding structure (not shown) (e.g., a press-fit structure provided in the relay portion 24). As shown in FIG. 6 , the lower end 25b of the relay terminal 25 is provided with contact portions 25c that extend forward from the left and right edges of the plate-shaped end 25b, curve toward the center of the end 25b in the left-right direction, and curve toward the rear of the end 25b. As described below, when the relay portion 24 is attached to the cavity 13 of the housing 10, the output terminal 14 is sandwiched in the front-to-rear direction between the extended end of the contact portion 25c and the front surface of the end portion 25b, thereby electrically connecting the relay terminal 25 and the output terminal 14.

[0027] The relay part 24 of the relay unit 20 has an outer shape that allows it to be inserted into the cavity 13 of the housing 10, and is held in the housing 10 by a locking mechanism (not shown) or the like when inserted into the cavity 13. When the relay part 24 is attached to the cavity 13 of the housing 10, the upper end of the bus bar 11 is stored in the hollow part 24a inside the relay part 24. This prevents accidental touching of the bus bar 11.

[0028] The fusible link 5 is attached by being inserted into the cavity 26 of the relay unit 20 from the front, and electrically connects the front end of the terminal 23 and the upper end 25a of the relay terminal 25 via the fusion portion 51.

[0029] By mounting the relay section 24 of the relay unit 20 configured as described above in the cavity 13 of the housing 10, a power supply circuit having the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 8 is configured. In this case, power supplied from the separate power source 3 is supplied to the load 4 via the terminal 23, the fusible link 5, the relay terminal 25, and the output terminal 14 in this order.

[0030] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to the power supply system 1 and connection method of this embodiment, when selecting an arbitrary power source, the first power source 2 or the second power source 3, from the plurality of power sources 2, 3, if the first power source 2 is selected, the fusible link 5 is attached to the cavity 13 of the housing 10 to form a circuit for supplying power to the load 4 (see FIG. 7), and if the second power source 3 is selected, the relay section 24 of the relay unit 20, to which the fusible link 5 is attached, is attached to the cavity 13 of the housing 10 to form a circuit for supplying power to the load 4 (see FIG. 8).

[0031] In this way, regardless of whether the first power source 2 or the second power source 3 is selected, the cavity 13 of the housing 10 is shared to form a circuit for supplying power to the load 4. Therefore, compared to the case where a different spare cavity is provided in the housing 10 for each selected power source 2, 3, no space or material is required to provide an excess cavity in the housing 10, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the housing 10 and manufacturing costs.

[0032] Furthermore, when switching the selected power source from the first power source 2 to the second power source 3, it is only necessary to attach the relay unit 20 connected to the second power source 3 to the cavity 13 of the housing 10, so that the circuit for supplying power to the load 4 can be flexibly switched as needed. Therefore, the power supply system 1 and the connection method can achieve both miniaturization of the power supply system and flexible circuit switching as needed.

[0033] <Other forms> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. are possible as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

[0034] Here, the features of the embodiments of the power supply system 1 and the connection method according to the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [4].

[0035] [1] A power supply system (1) for outputting power to an electrical load (4) using a selected power source (2, 3) selected from a plurality of power sources, comprising: a housing (10) that accommodates a first input terminal (11) for receiving power from a first power source (2) that is the selected power source and an output terminal (14) for outputting power, and that has a first mounting portion (13) on which an electronic component (5) that connects the first input terminal (11) and the output terminal (14) can be mounted; and one selected from the electronic component (5) and a relay unit (20) to which the electronic component (5) is attached, The relay unit (20) is the housing (10) includes a relay section (24) that accommodates a second input terminal (23) for inputting power from a second power source (3) that is the selected power source different from the first power source (2) and a relay terminal (25) that has a contact section that can be electrically connected to the output terminal (14), the relay section (24) being attachable to the first attachment section (13) of the housing (10) and in which the contact section of the relay terminal (25) is arranged, and a second attachment section (26) in which the electronic component (5) that connects the relay terminal (25) and the second input terminal (23) can be attached; When the first power source (2) is used, the electronic component (5) is mounted on the first mounting portion (13), When the second power source (3) is used, the relay portion (24) of the relay unit (20) is attached to the first attachment portion (13). Power supply system (1).

[0036] According to the power supply system having the configuration [1] above, when selecting an arbitrary power source (i.e., the first power source or the second power source) from a plurality of power sources, if the first power source is selected, an electronic component is mounted in the first mounting portion (e.g., cavity) of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. If the second power source is selected, the relay portion of the relay unit, on which the electronic component is mounted, is mounted in the first mounting portion of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. That is, regardless of whether the first power source or the second power source is selected, the first mounting portion of the housing is shared to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. Therefore, compared to providing a different spare cavity in the housing for each selected power source, space and material for providing an excess cavity are not required, which allows for a smaller housing and reduced manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when switching from the first power source to the second power source, it is only necessary to mount the relay unit connected to the second power source in the first mounting portion of the housing, so the circuit for supplying power to the load can be flexibly switched as needed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization of the power supply system and flexible circuit switching as required.

[0037] [2] In the power supply system (1) described in [1] above, The housing (10) is The first mounting portion (13) has a recessed portion shaped to allow the electronic component (5) to be inserted therein, The relay unit (20) is The relay portion (24) has a protrusion that can be inserted into the recess. Power supply system (1).

[0038] According to the power supply system having the configuration [2] above, the shape of the convex portion of the relay portion corresponds to the external shape of the electronic component, so that the convex portion of the relay portion can be inserted into the recess of the first mounting portion so as to share the first mounting portion.

[0039] [3] In the power supply system (1) described in [1] or [2] above, The housing (10) is Provided on the frame of the electrical junction box, The first input terminal (11) a bus bar held by the frame; Power supply system (1).

[0040] According to the power supply system having the configuration [3] above, the power supply system of the present invention can be applied to an electrical junction box mounted on a vehicle or the like.

[0041] [4] In the power supply system (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [3], When the second power source (3) is used, the first input terminal (11) of the housing (10) is stored in the relay portion (24) of the relay unit (20). Power supply system (1).

[0042] According to the power supply system having the configuration [4] above, when the second power source is used, the first input terminal is prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby suppressing accidental contact with the first input terminal.

[0043] [5] A connection method for electrically connecting a selected power source (2, 3) selected from a plurality of power sources to an electrical load (4), comprising: a power source selection step of selecting, as the selected power source, either a first power source (2) or a second power source (3) different from the first power source (2); a circuit connection step of performing either a first connection step performed when the first power source (2) is used or a second connection step performed when the second power source (3) is used, In the first connecting step, a housing (10) that accommodates a first input terminal (11) for receiving power from the first power source (2) and an output terminal (14) for outputting power, and that has a first mounting portion (13) on which an electronic component (5) that connects the first input terminal (11) and the output terminal (14) can be mounted, and the electronic component (5) is mounted in the first mounting portion (13) of the housing (10); In the second connecting step, a relay unit (20) that houses a second input terminal (23) for receiving power from the second power source (3) and a relay terminal (25) having a contact portion electrically connectable to the output terminal (14), and that has: a relay portion (24) that is attachable to the first attachment portion (13) of the housing (10) and in which the contact portion of the relay terminal (25) is arranged; and a second attachment portion (26) in which the electronic component (5) that connects the relay terminal (25) and the second input terminal (23) can be attached; and the electronic component (5) is attached to the second attachment portion (26) of the relay unit (20), and the relay portion (24) of the relay unit (20) is attached to the first attachment portion (13) of the housing (10). How to connect.

[0044] According to the connection method configured as described in [5] above, when selecting an arbitrary power source (i.e., the first power source or the second power source) from a plurality of power sources, if the first power source is selected, an electronic component is mounted in the first mounting portion (e.g., cavity) of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. If the second power source is selected, the relay portion of the relay unit, on which the electronic component is mounted, is mounted in the first mounting portion of the housing to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. That is, regardless of whether the first power source or the second power source is selected, the first mounting portion of the housing is shared to form a circuit for supplying power to the load. Therefore, compared to providing a different spare cavity in the housing for each selected power source, space and material for providing an excess cavity are not required, which allows for a smaller housing and reduced manufacturing costs. Furthermore, when switching from the first power source to the second power source, it is only necessary to mount the relay unit connected to the second power source in the first mounting portion of the housing, which allows for flexible switching of the circuit for supplying power to the load as needed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization of the power supply system and flexible circuit switching as required. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Power supply system 2 power supply 3 Separate power supply 4. Load 5 Fusible link (electronic component) 6 Electrical junction box 10. Housing 11 Bus bar (first input terminal) 13 Cavity (first mounting part) 14 Output terminal 20 Relay unit 23 terminal (second input terminal) 24 Relay Section 25 Relay terminal 25c Contact part 26 Cavity (second mounting part)

Claims

1. A power supply system for outputting power to an electrical load using a selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources, comprising: a housing that accommodates a first input terminal for receiving power from a first power source that is the selected power source and an output terminal for outputting power, and that has a first mounting portion on which an electronic component that connects the first input terminal and the output terminal can be mounted; one selected from the electronic component and a relay unit to which the electronic component is attached; The relay unit includes: a relay portion that accommodates a second input terminal for inputting power from a second power source that is the selected power source different from the first power source and a relay terminal having a contact portion that can be electrically connected to the output terminal, and that is attachable to the first attachment portion of the housing and in which the contact portion of the relay terminal is arranged; and a second attachment portion in which the electronic component that connects the relay terminal and the second input terminal can be attached; When the first power source is used, the electronic component is mounted on the first mounting portion; When the second power source is used, the relay section of the relay unit is attached to the first attachment section. Power supply system.

2. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, The housing includes: The first mounting portion has a recessed portion having a shape into which the electronic component can be inserted, The relay unit includes: The relay portion has a protrusion that can be inserted into the recess. Power supply system.

3. 3. The power supply system according to claim 1, The housing includes: Provided on the frame of the electrical junction box, The first input terminal is a bus bar held by the frame; Power supply system.

4. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the second power source is used, the first input terminal of the housing is stored in the relay portion of the relay unit. Power supply system.

5. A connection method for electrically connecting a selected power source selected from a plurality of power sources to an electrical load, the method comprising: a power supply selection step of selecting, as the selected power supply, either a first power supply or a second power supply different from the first power supply; a circuit connection step of performing either a first connection step performed when the first power source is used or a second connection step performed when the second power source is used, In the first connecting step, a housing that accommodates a first input terminal for receiving power from the first power source and an output terminal for outputting power, and has a first mounting portion on which an electronic component that connects the first input terminal and the output terminal can be mounted, and the electronic component is mounted on the first mounting portion of the housing; In the second connecting step, a relay unit that houses a second input terminal for receiving power from the second power source and a relay terminal having a contact portion electrically connectable to the output terminal, and that has a relay portion that is attachable to the first attachment portion of the housing and in which the contact portion of the relay terminal is arranged, and a second attachment portion in which the electronic component that connects the relay terminal and the second input terminal can be attached, the electronic component is attached to the second attachment portion of the relay unit, and the relay portion of the relay unit is attached to the first attachment portion of the housing; How to connect.

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