Electrical junction box

Abstract

To provide an electric connection box having a lower cover made of two members, which is excellent in waterproofness.SOLUTION: An electric connection box 1 comprises: a casing-shaped frame 11 in which a component R is housed; and a lower cover 12 which is assembled so as to close a lower end opening of the frame 11. The lower cover 12 has: a first lower cover 13 which has a bottom wall part 132, a side wall part 131, and a cutout part 136; and a second lower cover 14 which has a shape corresponding to the cutout part 136, and which is assembled to the first lower cover 13. The second lower cover 14 has a side wall part 141, a waterproof wall 145, and a connection part 146 which connects the side wall part 141 to the waterproof wall 145.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection box.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed electrical connection boxes such as relay boxes and fuse boxes that are mounted on vehicles and have a storage space for accommodating electronic components such as relays and fuses (hereinafter also referred to as "conventional electrical connection boxes"). One of the conventional electrical connection boxes has a frame-shaped frame in which electronic components are arranged inside, and a lower cover assembled so as to close the lower end opening of the frame, and a wire drawing hole through which a wire is drawn from the inside of the electrical connection box to the outside is formed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, each member (such as a frame and a lower cover) constituting the electrical connection box is manufactured by injecting resin or the like into a dedicated mold. Therefore, when the wire drawing hole is formed by the frame and the lower cover, due to the limitations of the mold, there are limitations in the position where the wire drawing hole can be formed and the direction in which the wire can be drawn (that is, the direction of the wire drawing hole).

[0005] On the other hand, in order to form the wire exit hole at a desired location (for example, the bottom wall of the lower cover) or to route the wire in a desired direction, the lower cover may be made of two components. In this case, the wire exit hole is formed by the two components that make up the lower cover. However, in this case, the number of parts increases compared to conventional electrical junction boxes, and therefore the number of assembly points between the components also increases. As a result, the number of paths through which liquids such as water can enter the inside of the electrical junction box also increases, so excellent waterproofing is required for the above-mentioned electrical junction box.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electrical junction box in which the lower cover is composed of two members and which has excellent waterproof properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the electrical junction box according to the present invention is characterized by the following:

[0008] Having an upper end opening and a lower end opening, extending in the vertical direction and Electronic components are housed tube A frame in the shape of the said frame The aforementioned An electrical junction box comprising a lower cover that is assembled to close the lower end opening, The lower cover is, A first lower cover having a bottom wall portion, a side wall portion erected from the periphery of the bottom wall portion, and a notched portion in which at least a part of the side wall portion is cut out, It comprises a second lower cover having a shape corresponding to the notch portion and being assembled to the first lower cover, The 2nd lower cover is, The side wall portion that, together with the side wall portion of the first lower cover, constitutes the side wall portion of the lower cover, A waterproof wall located inside the electrical junction box, beyond the side wall portion of the second lower cover, The second lower cover has a connecting portion that connects the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall, such that a vertically penetrating gap is defined between the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall. The connecting portion is arranged at multiple locations in the circumferential direction between the side wall portion and the waterproof wall, in a manner that improves the rigidity of the second lower cover. The aforementioned void is a gap defined by the side wall portion, the waterproof wall portion, and a pair of circumferentially adjacent connecting portions. The aforementioned waterproof wall is It is positioned at a location corresponding to the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover. 、 With the second lower cover assembled to the first lower cover, the upper edge of the side wall portion of the first lower cover and the upper edge of the side wall portion of the second lower cover form an annular upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover, and the annular upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover fits with the annular lower edge that defines the lower end opening of the frame. It must be an electrical junction box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The electrical junction box according to the present invention is described below. With this electrical junction box configuration, even if water that enters through the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover splashes onto the electronic components housed in the frame, it will hit the waterproof wall positioned at the location corresponding to the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover, preventing water from reaching the electronic components. Furthermore, with this electrical junction box configuration, the side wall of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall are connected by a connecting part, resulting in superior rigidity of the second lower cover and, consequently, the rigidity of the electrical junction box.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by referring to the attached drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the electrical junction box shown in Figure 1, viewed from the left side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical junction box shown in Figure 1 (with electronic components omitted from the illustration). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second lower cover. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the second lower cover viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged view of part C of FIG. 7.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <00,00094><Embodiment> Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the electrical connection box 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described. The electrical connection box 1 is typically a relay box mounted on a vehicle and having an internal space for accommodating components R (see FIGS. 1 and 7), such as electronic components like relays and other components.

[0013] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down” are defined. The “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction” and “up-down direction” are orthogonal to each other. When the electrical connection box 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction” and “up-down direction” correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction and up-down direction of the vehicle, respectively. Also, the side facing the inside of the electrical connection box 1 is called the “inner” side, and the side facing the outside of the electrical connection box 1 is called the “outer” side. Note that the up-down direction corresponds to the “vertical direction” of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrical connection box 1 is composed of a frame-shaped frame 11 for accommodating the component R and a lower cover 12 assembled to close the lower end opening of the frame 11. All of the above two components constituting the electrical connection box 1 are resin molded bodies.

[0015] In the electrical junction box 1, an electric wire (not shown) that is electrically connected to a part of component R located inside the electrical junction box 1 is led out to the outside of the electrical junction box 1 through an electric wire exit hole 15 provided at the front end of the electrical junction box 1. The electric wire exit hole 15 extends so as to be inclined toward the front and downward (see Figure 2). The frame 11 and lower cover 12 that constitute the electrical junction box 1 will be described in order below.

[0016] First, let's describe the frame 11. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame 11 has a roughly rectangular cylindrical side wall portion 111 that extends in the vertical direction. The side wall portion 111 constitutes most of the external appearance of the side of the electrical connection box 1. At multiple locations (9 locations in this example) in the circumferential direction at the lower end of the side wall portion 111, locking portions 112 and 113, each containing through holes extending in the vertical direction, are integrally provided on the outer surface. The locking portions 112 and 113 have the function of assembling the lower cover 12 to the frame 11.

[0017] Specifically, the locking portion 112 has the function of assembling the first lower cover 13 of the lower cover 12 (described later) to the frame 11. Similarly, the locking portion 113 has the function of assembling the second lower cover 14 of the lower cover 12 (described later) to the frame 11.

[0018] An upper cover (not shown) may be attached to the frame 11 so as to close the upper end opening of the frame 11. In this case, a locking portion (not shown) integrally provided on the side wall portion 111 of the frame 11 is locked with a locking portion (not shown) of the upper cover, thereby attaching the upper cover to the frame 11.

[0019] Next, the lower cover 12 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lower cover 12 consists of a first lower cover 13 and a second lower cover 14 that is assembled to the first lower cover 13. The first lower cover 13 and the second lower cover 14 that make up the lower cover 12 will be described in order below.

[0020] First, the first lower cover 13 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the first lower cover 13 integrally comprises an annular side wall portion 131 that constitutes most of the external appearance of the lower side surface of the electrical junction box 1, and a bottom wall portion 132 that closes the annular lower end opening of the side wall portion 131 and constitutes most of the external appearance of the bottom surface of the electrical junction box 1.

[0021] A notch 136 is formed in the front region in the front-rear direction of a pair of side wall portions 131 that face each other in the left-right direction, and also in the front side wall portion 131, with the upper region in the vertical direction being cut out. The notch 136 has a roughly rectangular U-shape when viewed from above.

[0022] Multiple locking pieces 133 extending upward are integrally provided on the outer surface of the side wall portion 131 at multiple circumferential locations (four locations in this example) at the upper end of the side wall portion 131, corresponding to multiple locking portions 112 of the frame 11.

[0023] Furthermore, on the outer surface of multiple locations (four in this example) in the circumferential direction at the upper end of the portion corresponding to the notch 136 of the side wall portion 131, locking pieces 134 extending upward are integrally provided, corresponding to the locking portion 143 of the second lower cover 14, which will be described later.

[0024] A semi-cylindrical trough-shaped portion 135, which opens upward, is provided in the side wall portion 131 at the location corresponding to the wire exit hole 15, and is inclined toward the front and downward. The trough-shaped portion 135 has the function of forming the lower part of the inner wall that defines the wire exit hole 15.

[0025] Next, the second lower cover 14 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the second lower cover 14 is integrally formed from a side wall portion 141 that constitutes a part of the exterior appearance of the lower side surface of the electrical connection box 1, a waterproof wall 145 that is located inside the side wall portion 141 at a predetermined radial distance from the side wall portion 141, and a connecting portion 146 that connects the side wall portion 141 and the waterproof wall 145.

[0026] The side wall portion 141 has a roughly rectangular U-shape when viewed from above. In other words, the side wall portion 141 has a shape that corresponds to the notch portion 136 of the first lower cover 13. That is, the second lower cover 14 is assembled to the portion of the side wall portion 131 of the first lower cover 13 that corresponds to the notch portion 136, and the side wall portions 131 and 141 constitute the appearance of the lower side surface of the electrical connection box 1 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0027] Multiple locking pieces 142 extending upward are integrally provided on the outer surface of the side wall portion 141 at multiple circumferential locations (five locations in this example) at the upper end of the side wall portion 141, corresponding to multiple locking portions 113 of the frame 11.

[0028] Multiple circumferential locations (four in this example) on the outer surface of the lower end of the side wall portion 141 are integrally provided with locking portions 143, each containing a through hole extending in the vertical direction. The locking piece 134 of the first lower cover 13 is locked to the locking portion 143.

[0029] A semi-cylindrical trough-shaped portion 144, which opens downwards, is provided in the side wall portion 141 at the location corresponding to the wire exit hole 15, and is inclined toward the front and downwards. The trough-shaped portion 144 has the function of forming the upper part of the inner wall that defines the wire exit hole 15.

[0030] The waterproof wall 145 extends vertically so as to face the side wall portions 111 and 141 of the frame 11. The upper end of the waterproof wall 145 is located above the assembly point between the frame 11 and the second lower cover 14 (see Figures 7-8). The waterproof wall 145 has the function of preventing water or other liquids from entering the frame 11 and the second lower cover 14 from getting into the component R (i.e., waterproofing). The waterproof wall 145 also has the function of improving the rigidity of the second lower cover.

[0031] The connecting portion 146 connects the upper end of the side wall portion 141 and the lower end of the waterproof wall 145 at multiple locations (six locations in this example) in the circumferential direction of the side wall portion 141 and the waterproof wall 145, such that a vertically penetrating air gap S is defined between the side wall portion 141 and the waterproof wall 145. The connecting portion 146 has the function of improving the rigidity of the second lower cover.

[0032] The void S is defined by the side wall portion 141, the waterproof wall 145, and a pair of circumferentially adjacent connecting portions 146. The void S functions as a drainage channel for liquids such as water that have entered from between the frame 11 and the second lower cover 14.

[0033] The upper end of the waterproof wall 145 is provided with a canopy portion 147 that protrudes outward (i.e., toward the side wall portion of the opposing frame 11). The canopy portion 147 has the function of preventing liquids such as water that have entered from between the frame 11 and the second lower cover 14 from being blown onto the component R (i.e., waterproofing). The first lower cover 13 and the second lower cover 14, which constitute the lower cover 12, have been described above.

[0034] The frame 11 and lower cover 12 that constitute the electrical junction box 1 have been described above. In order to assemble the electrical junction box 1, which consists of the frame 11 and the lower cover 12, it is necessary to attach the second lower cover 14 to the first lower cover 13, and then attach the lower cover 12 to the frame 11.

[0035] To assemble the second lower cover 14 onto the first lower cover 13, first, the second lower cover 14 is positioned at the location corresponding to the notch 136 of the first lower cover 13. Then, the multiple locking pieces 134 of the first lower cover 13 are inserted from below into the multiple through holes of the locking portion 143 of the second lower cover 14, thereby locking the multiple locking pieces 134 to the multiple locking portions 143. This completes the assembly of the second lower cover 14 onto the first lower cover 13.

[0036] When the lower cover 12 is assembled, the locking of multiple locking pieces 134 and multiple locking parts 143 prevents the second lower cover 14 from separating upward from the first lower cover 13. Furthermore, the trough-shaped portion 135 of the first lower cover 13 and the trough-shaped portion 135 of the second lower cover 14 (see Figure 3) define a wire exit hole 15 through which an electric wire (not shown) is inserted (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0037] Furthermore, the side wall portion of the lower cover 12 is formed by the side wall portion 131 of the first lower cover 13 and the side wall portion 141 of the second lower cover 14. The annular upper end edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover 12 has a shape corresponding to the annular lower end edge of the side wall portion 111 of the frame 11, and is able to be fitted with the annular lower end edge of the side wall portion 111.

[0038] After the lower cover 12 has been assembled, in order to attach the lower cover 12 to the frame 11, first, the multiple locking pieces 133 and 142 of the lower cover 12 are inserted from below into the corresponding locking portions 112 and 113 of the frame 11. Then, from this state, the annular upper end edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover 12 is fitted to the annular lower end edge of the side wall portion 111 of the frame 11, and the multiple locking pieces 133 and 142 are locked into the corresponding locking portions 112 and 113. This completes the assembly of the lower cover 12 to the frame 11 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0039] When the electrical connection box 1 is assembled, the locking of multiple locking pieces 133 to multiple locking parts 112, and the locking of multiple locking pieces 142 to multiple locking parts 113, prevents the lower cover 12 from separating downward from the frame 11.

[0040] Next, the waterproof structure of the electrical junction box 1 will be described. For example, if a vehicle equipped with the electrical junction box 1 is cleaned with a high-pressure washer, liquid such as water may enter the interior of the electrical junction box 1 from the assembly point between the frame 11 and the second lower cover 14 and splash towards component R. This may cause component R to be exposed to water. However, in the electrical junction box 1 according to this embodiment, even if water that has entered the interior of the electrical junction box 1 is splashed towards component R, it will hit the waterproof wall 145, preventing component R from being exposed to water (see arrow in Figure 8).

[0041] Furthermore, even if water that has entered the electrical junction box 1 is blown upwards toward component R, or if water that has hit the waterproof wall 145 is further splashed toward component R, this water will hit the canopy portion 147, preventing water from reaching component R (see arrow in Figure 8). The water that hits the waterproof wall 145 and the canopy portion 147 is then drained downwards through the gap S. In this way, the electrical junction box 1 has excellent waterproofing properties.

[0042] Furthermore, the electrical junction box 1 (second lower cover 14) is protected from outward opening and inward tilting at the pair of left-right side wall portions 141 by the waterproof wall 145, connecting portion 146, and canopy portion 147. In other words, the electrical junction box 1 (second lower cover 14) has excellent rigidity.

[0043] Furthermore, since the electrical junction box 1 is composed of two members, a first lower cover 13 and a second lower cover 14, the wire exit hole 15 can be set to a desired position (for example, the bottom wall portion 132) or a desired angle.

[0044] Furthermore, since the second lower cover 14 forms a pseudo-double-wall structure with the side wall portion 141 and the waterproof wall 145, the electrical junction box 1 can be made smaller compared to conventional electrical junction boxes that have a double-wall structure.

[0045] <Other forms> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0046] Herein, the features of the embodiments of the electrical junction box according to the present invention described above are briefly listed below in [1] to [4]. [1] An electrical connection box (1) comprising a frame-shaped frame (11) in which electronic components (components R) are housed, and a lower cover (12) assembled to close the lower end opening of the frame, The lower cover (12) is A first lower cover (13) having a bottom wall portion (132), a side wall portion (131) erected from the periphery of the bottom wall portion, and a notch portion (136) in which at least a part of the side wall portion is cut out, It includes a second lower cover (14) which has a shape corresponding to the notch and is assembled to the first lower cover, The previous second lower cover (14) is, The side wall portion (141) that together with the side wall portion (131) of the first lower cover constitutes the side wall portion of the lower cover, A waterproof wall (145) located inside the electrical junction box, beyond the side wall portion (141) of the second lower cover, The second lower cover has a connecting portion (146) that connects the side wall portion (141) and the waterproof wall (145) such that a vertically penetrating gap (S) is defined between the side wall portion (141) and the waterproof wall (145) of the second lower cover, The aforementioned waterproof wall (145) It is positioned at a location corresponding to the assembly point between the frame (11) and the second lower cover (14), Electrical junction box (1). [2] In the electrical junction box (1) described in [1] above, The upper end of the aforementioned waterproof wall is Located vertically above the aforementioned assembly point, Electrical junction box (1). [3] In the electrical junction box (1) described in [2] above, The upper end of the waterproof wall further has a canopy portion (147) that protrudes from the inside of the electrical junction box toward the outside of the electrical junction box. Electrical junction box. [4] An electrical junction box (1) described in any one of the above [1] to [3], The previous second lower cover (14) is, The waterproof wall (145) is provided over the entire circumferential area of ​​the side wall portion (141) of the second lower cover. Electrical junction box (1).

[0047] With the electrical junction box configuration described in [1] above, even if water that enters from the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover splashes onto the electronic components housed in the frame, it will hit the waterproof wall positioned at the location corresponding to the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover, preventing water from reaching the electronic components. Furthermore, with the electrical junction box configuration described above, the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall are connected by a connecting portion, resulting in superior rigidity of the second lower cover and, consequently, the rigidity of the electrical junction box.

[0048] With the electrical junction box configuration described in [2] above, even if water entering from the assembly point is blown onto the electronic components, it will hit the waterproof wall, and water damage to the electronic components will be properly prevented.

[0049] With the electrical junction box configuration described in [3] above, even if water entering from the assembly point is blown onto the electronic components, or if water hitting the waterproof wall is further splashed onto the electronic components, this water will hit the eaves, thus more effectively preventing water from reaching the electronic components.

[0050] According to the electrical junction box configuration described in [4] above, the waterproof wall is provided over the entire circumferential area of ​​the side wall portion of the second lower cover, thereby forming a pseudo-double-wall structure with the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall, resulting in excellent waterproofing. Furthermore, with this configuration, the electrical junction box can be made smaller compared to conventional electrical junction boxes with a double-wall structure due to the pseudo-double-wall structure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Electrical junction box 11 frames 12 Lower Cover 13. First lower cover 14. Second lower cover 15 Wire extraction hole 111,131,141 Side wall section 112,113,143 Locked part 132 Bottom wall section 133,134,142 Related film 135,144 Gutter-like part 136 Notch 145 Waterproof wall 146 Connection section 147 Eaves R part S void

Claims

1. An electrical connection box comprising: a cylindrical frame having an upper end opening and a lower end opening, extending in the vertical direction and housing electronic components; and a lower cover assembled to close the lower end opening of the frame, The lower cover is, A first lower cover having a bottom wall portion, a side wall portion erected from the periphery of the bottom wall portion, and a notched portion in which at least a part of the side wall portion is cut out, It comprises a second lower cover having a shape corresponding to the notch and being assembled to the first lower cover, The 2nd lower cover is, The side wall portion that, together with the side wall portion of the first lower cover, constitutes the side wall portion of the lower cover, A waterproof wall located inside the electrical junction box, beyond the side wall portion of the second lower cover, The second lower cover has a connecting portion that connects the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall, such that a vertically penetrating gap is defined between the side wall portion of the second lower cover and the waterproof wall. The connecting portion is arranged at multiple locations in the circumferential direction between the side wall portion and the waterproof wall, in a manner that improves the rigidity of the second lower cover. The aforementioned void is a gap defined by the side wall portion, the waterproof wall portion, and a pair of circumferentially adjacent connecting portions. The aforementioned waterproof wall is It is positioned at a location corresponding to the assembly point between the frame and the second lower cover, With the second lower cover assembled to the first lower cover, the upper edge of the side wall portion of the first lower cover and the upper edge of the side wall portion of the second lower cover form an annular upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover, and the annular upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower cover fits with the annular lower edge that defines the lower end opening of the frame. Electrical junction box.

2. In the electrical junction box according to claim 1, The upper end of the aforementioned waterproof wall is Located vertically above the aforementioned assembly point, Electrical junction box.

3. In the electrical junction box according to claim 2, The upper end of the waterproof wall further has a canopy portion that protrudes from the inside of the electrical junction box toward the outside of the electrical junction box. Electrical junction box.

4. In an electrical junction box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The 2nd lower cover is, The waterproof wall is provided over the entire circumferential area of ​​the side wall portion of the second lower cover. Electrical junction box.

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