Electrical connection box and fixing structure of electrical connection box to fixing member

Abstract

An electrical connection box (3) is provided with: a first case (41) having a peripheral wall (412) that opens to one side in a first direction; and a ground terminal (7) that is grounded and fixed to the first case (41). When viewed from the one side in the first direction, an exposed fixing part (413) that is exposed to the one side in the first direction on the inside of the peripheral wall (412) is formed in the first case (41). A ground terminal fixing part (414) for grounding and fixing the ground terminal (7) and a fixing member fixing part (415) for fixing the first case (41) to a fixing member (2) are formed in the exposed fixing part (413).

Description

Electrical junction box and structure for fixing the electrical junction box to a fixing member

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical junction box and a structure for fixing the electrical junction box to a fixing member.

[0002] A conventional electrical junction box of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the electrical junction box includes a housing having a case and a circuit board as an internal component housed and fixed inside the housing, and the circuit board as an internal component is housed and fixed inside the housing by fastening the circuit board to a fixing portion formed on the case. Furthermore, the case is provided with a fixing piece for attaching the electrical junction box to a fixing member, and the electrical junction box is attached to the fixing member by fastening the fixing piece to the fixing member with a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-005634

[0004] In this configuration, in which the electrical connection box is attached to a fixing member with the internal components fixed to the case, it is preferable to make effective use of the area where the internal components are fixed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box and a fixing structure for fixing the electrical junction box to a fixing member that can effectively utilize the areas where internal components are fixed.

[0006] The electrical connection box according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a first case having a peripheral wall that opens to one side in a first direction, and an earth terminal that is fixed to and grounded on the first case, and the first case has an exposed fixing portion that is exposed to one side in the first direction inside the peripheral wall when viewed from one side in the first direction, and the exposed fixing portion has an earth terminal fixing portion that fixes the earth terminal to and ground, and a fixing member fixing portion that fixes the first case to a fixing member.

[0007] A structure for fixing an electric junction box to a fixing member according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the electric junction box according to the first aspect and a fixing member to which the electric junction box is fixed.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box and a structure for fixing the electrical junction box to a fixing member, which can effectively utilize the areas where internal components are fixed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment, as seen from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment, as seen from the back side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment, disassembled into the electrical junction box and the fixing member, as seen from the front side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment, disassembled into the electrical junction box and the fixing member, as seen from the back side. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment, showing the structure for fastening the electrical junction box to the fixing member according to an embodiment with the cover of the electrical junction box removed. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the ground terminal fixing portion and the fixing member fixing portion overlap in a first direction in the structure for fastening an electrical junction box to a fixing member according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrical junction box according to an embodiment with the cover removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for attaching a bus bar as a conductor according to an embodiment to a second case. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a bus bar as a conductor according to an embodiment is attached to the second case. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for attaching a wire crimp terminal as a conductor according to an embodiment to the second case. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a housing to which a wire crimp terminal as a conductor according to an embodiment is attached, viewed from the back. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for attaching a ground terminal according to an embodiment to a first case. FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a structure for fixing an electric junction box to a fixing member according to a modified example, the structure showing the structure for fixing the electric junction box to the fixing member with the cover of the electric junction box removed. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the ground terminal fixing portion and the fixing member fixing portion are located on the same side in the first direction in the structure for fixing an electric junction box to a fixing member according to a modified example.

[0010] The electrical junction box and the structure for fixing the electrical junction box to a fixing member according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of convenience and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0011] In the following description of the components of the electrical junction box, the vertical direction of the electrical junction box will be defined as the Z direction (first direction) when the side fixed to the fixing member faces downward. The longitudinal direction of the electrical junction box will be defined as the X direction (second direction), and the lateral direction of the electrical junction box will be defined as the Y direction (third direction).

[0012] The electrical connection box 3 in this embodiment is also called a junction box, relay box, fuse box, electronic control unit box, etc., and is a device that is mounted on a vehicle or the like and has the function of distributing power.

[0013] 1 and 2, the electrical junction box 3 includes a housing 4 that forms the outer shell of the electrical junction box 3, and the interior space of the housing 4 accommodates various circuit components (internal components) such as electronic components, terminal blocks 5, and conductors 6. The housing 4 that accommodates the internal components is fixed to a fixing member 2, thereby forming a structure for fixing the electrical junction box to the fixing member.

[0014] The fixing member 2 is fixed to a mounting member (not shown) such as a body panel by screwing or the like. In this way, by fixing the fixing member 2 to a mounting member (not shown) such as a body panel by screwing or the like, the electrical junction box 3 can be mounted on a vehicle or the like.

[0015] The housing 4 comprises a case 40 that opens upward (on one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and is capable of accommodating internal components, and a cover 45 that is positioned above the case 40 and covers the opening of the case 40.

[0016] In this embodiment, the case 40 comprises an outer case (first case) 41 that forms the outer shell of the case 40, and an inner case (second case) 42 that is arranged inside the outer case (first case) 41.

[0017] The outer case (first case) 41 can be formed using, for example, a metal material (conductive material) such as aluminum. In this embodiment, the outer case (first case) 41 includes a bottom wall 411 having a substantially rectangular plate shape and a peripheral wall 412 extending upward (to one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) from the periphery (four sides) of the bottom wall 411. In this manner, in this embodiment, the outer case (first case) 41 has the bottom wall 411 having a substantially rectangular plate shape and the peripheral wall 412 that opens upward (to one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and is formed in a substantially box shape.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, notches 4121 are formed in the wall portions of the peripheral wall 412 that extend in the Y direction (short-side direction: third direction) on both sides of the X direction (longitudinal direction: second direction) so as to open upward in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). The power supply wires 611, control wires 621, and ground wires 71, which will be described later, are adapted to be drawn out of the housing 4 through these notches 4121. Furthermore, the outer case (first case) 41 is formed with an exposed fixing portion 413 for fixing the ground terminal 7 to ground, the exposed fixing portion 413 being exposed upward (on one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). In this embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413 also functions as a spacer that positions the inner case (second case) 42 within the outer case (first case) 41.

[0019] In this embodiment, a plurality of terminal blocks 5 are formed on the inner case (second case) 42, and conductors 6 corresponding to each terminal block 5 are fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5 in an electrically connected state. These terminal blocks 5 and conductors 6 constitute a part of various circuits provided in vehicles including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), etc. Examples of such circuits include current-carrying circuits that have the function of distributing current supplied from a power supply unit such as a battery or an alternator, and control circuits provided in a vehicle control device.

[0020] In this embodiment, a first terminal block 51 having an energization bus bar (first conductor) 513 constituting part of an energization circuit that has the function of distributing current supplied from a power supply unit such as a battery or an alternator is formed on the inner case (second case) 42. An energization wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is fastened (fixed) to the first terminal block 51. Also, a second terminal block 52 having a control bus bar (third conductor) 523 constituting part of a control circuit that has the function of supplying electrical signals to various electronic devices provided in the vehicle control device is formed on the inner case (second case) 42. An energization wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is fastened (fixed) to the second terminal block 52.

[0021] The inner case (second case) 42 includes a bottom wall 421 and a peripheral wall 422 extending upward (to one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) from the periphery of the bottom wall 421. Furthermore, the inner case (second case) 42 includes a partition wall 423 that separates the current-carrying circuit and the control circuit and prevents interference between the current-carrying circuit and the control circuit.

[0022] The first terminal block 51 also includes a conductor support portion 511 for placing the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 on the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421 in a state where the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 is prevented from slipping out. In this embodiment, the conductor support portion 511 includes a support rib 5111 that protrudes upward from the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. The conductor support portion 511 also includes a support piece 5112 that is connected to the upper end of the support rib 5111 so as to face downward and that can elastically deform along the surface 421a relative to the support rib 5111. A hook portion 51121 that can restrict upward movement of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 is formed on the lower end of the support piece 5112.

[0023] Similarly, the second terminal block 52 includes a conductor support portion 521 for placing a control bus bar (third conductor) 523 on the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421 in a manner that prevents it from coming loose. The conductor support portion 521 also includes a support rib 5211 that protrudes upward from the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. The conductor support portion 521 also includes a support piece 5212 that is connected to the upper end of the support rib 5211 so as to face downward and that can elastically deform along the surface 421a relative to the support rib 5211. A hook portion 52121 that can restrict the upward movement of the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 is formed on the lower end of the support piece 5212.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first terminal block 51 includes a bolt portion 512 for electrically connecting the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and the current-carrying wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. The second terminal block 52 includes a bolt portion 522 for electrically connecting the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0025] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 421, the peripheral wall 422, the partition wall 423, the conductor support portion 511, the conductor support portion 521, the bolt portion 512, and the bolt portion 522 are integrally formed using an electrically insulating resin material.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the electrical junction box 3 further includes an electrically insulating inner case (second case) 42 that is disposed inside the peripheral wall 412, and the terminal block 5 is provided in this inner case (second case) 42. In this manner, the main circuit formed by connecting the conductors 6 to the terminal block 5 can be protected within the inner case (second case) 42. By disposing the terminal block 5 and the conductors 6 connected to the terminal block 5 that form part of the main circuit inside the double-structured case 40 (inside the inner case 42) in this way, it is possible to more reliably protect the main circuit from external factors.

[0027] The conductor support portions 511 and 521 and the bolt portions 512 and 522 may be formed of separate members from the bottom wall 421 .

[0028] The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 includes a one-side flat portion 5131 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 421 a of the bottom wall 421) and a second-side flat portion 5132 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 421 a of the bottom wall 421). The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 also includes a bent portion 5133 connected to the one-side flat portion 5131 and the second-side flat portion 5132 and bent downward (to the other side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). The one-side flat portion 5131 and the second-side flat portion 5132 are each formed with an insertion hole 51311 and an insertion hole 51321 that penetrate in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 512 is inserted. In this embodiment, the bent portion 5133 includes a pair of inclined walls 51332 connected to the one-side flat portion 5131 and the other-side flat portion 5132, respectively, and a rear wall 51331 connecting the lower ends of the pair of inclined walls 51332. A protrusion 4211 is provided on the bottom wall 421 of the inner case 42 so as to protrude downward, and the rear wall 51331 of the bent portion 5133 is accommodated within the accommodation space S1 defined by the protrusion 4211.

[0029] The current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 having such a configuration can be formed, for example, by punching a single conductive metal plate so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and then appropriately performing plastic processing such as bending on the punched product.

[0030] On the other hand, the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 has a flat portion 5231 extending in a substantially horizontal direction (XY plane: a direction along the surface 421 a of the bottom wall 421). An insertion hole 52311 is formed in the flat portion 5231 so as to penetrate in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 522 is inserted.

[0031] The control bus bar (third conductor) 523 having such a configuration can be formed, for example, by punching out a single conductive metal plate so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape.

[0032] The current-carrying wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 includes an electric wire 611 electrically connected to an external connection member, and an electric wire crimp terminal 612 electrically connected to the electric wire 611. The electric wire 611 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 6111 and an electrically insulating coating portion (conductor coating portion) 6112 that covers the core wire 6111. The current-carrying wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is formed by crimping and fixing at least the core wire 6111 of the electric wire 611 to the wire crimp portion 6121 of the wire crimp terminal 612.

[0033] The wire crimp terminal 612 includes a connection portion 6122 that is connected to the wire crimp portion 6121 and electrically connected to the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513. The connection portion 6122 is formed with an insertion hole 61221 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 512 is inserted.

[0034] Then, while the bolt portion 512 is inserted through the insertion holes 51311 and 51321 of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513, the bolt portion 512 is inserted through the insertion hole 61221 of the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. Thereafter, by fastening the nut 613 to the bolt portion 512, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 are fastened in a contacting state. In this manner, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 are electrically connected to each other.

[0035] Similarly, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 includes an electric wire 621 electrically connected to the external connection member, and an electric wire crimp terminal 622 electrically connected to the electric wire 621. The electric wire 621 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 6211 and an electrically insulating coating portion (conductor coating portion) 6212 that covers the core wire 6211. At least the core wire 6211 of the electric wire 621 is crimped and fixed to the electric wire crimp portion 6221 of the electric wire crimp terminal 622, thereby forming the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0036] The wire crimp terminal 622 includes a connection portion 6222 that is connected to the wire crimp portion 6221 and electrically connected to the control bus bar (third conductor) 523. The connection portion 6222 is formed with an insertion hole 62221 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the bolt portion 522 is inserted.

[0037] Then, while the bolt portion 522 is inserted through the insertion hole 52311 of the control bus bar (third conductor) 523, the bolt portion 522 is inserted through the insertion hole 62221 of the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62. Thereafter, the nut 623 is fastened to the bolt portion 522, so that the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are fastened in a contacting state. In this manner, the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 and the control electric wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are electrically connected.

[0038] In this way, the conductor 6 can be fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5 formed on the inner case (second case) 42, for example, by the method shown below.

[0039] First, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 are placed on the inner case (second case) 42.

[0040] Specifically, the bolt portion 512 is inserted from above through the insertion holes 51311 and 51321 of the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513, and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 is moved so as to be pushed downward. At this time, the support piece 5212 of the conductor support portion 521 is elastically deformed relative to the support rib 5211, and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 is pushed downward until it contacts the surface 421a of the bottom wall 421. In this way, the support piece 5112 returns to its original position by elastic restoring force, and the hook portion 51121 of the support piece 5112 prevents the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 from coming out of the bolt portion 512.

[0041] Similarly, the bolt portion 522 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 52311 of the control bus bar (third conductor) 523, and the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 is moved so as to be pushed downward. At this time, the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 is pushed downward until it contacts the surface 421 a of the bottom wall 421 while the support piece 5212 of the conductor support portion 521 is elastically deformed relative to the support rib 5211. In this way, the support piece 5212 returns to its original position by elastic restoring force, and the hook portion 52121 of the support piece 5212 prevents the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 from coming out of the bolt portion 522.

[0042] Next, as shown in FIG. 11 , the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 are placed on the inner case (second case) 42 on which the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 are placed.

[0043] Specifically, the insertion hole 61221 of the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is inserted into the bolt portion 512 from above, and the current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61 is stacked on the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513.

[0044] Similarly, the bolt portion 522 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 62221 of the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 , and the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is stacked on the control bus bar (third conductor) 523 .

[0045] Then, by fastening nuts 613 to bolt portions 512, conductive connection is established between current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 and current-carrying electric wire crimp terminal (fourth conductor) 61. Furthermore, by fastening nuts 623 to bolt portions 522, conductive connection is established between control bus bar (third conductor) 523 and control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62.

[0046] In this way, the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5 formed on the inner case (second case) 42 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the terminal block 5 and the conductor 6 respectively constitute a part of a plurality of circuits, and for reasons such as miniaturization of the electrical junction box 3, the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 is arranged to straddle the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513. In other words, in a plan view of the outer case 41 (when the outer case 41 is viewed from the first direction), the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513 are arranged to intersect.

[0048] For this reason, in this embodiment, a partition member 424 made of an electrically insulating material such as resin is interposed between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513. This ensures an insulation distance between the control wire crimp terminal (second conductor) 62 and the current-carrying bus bar (first conductor) 513.

[0049] The inner case (second case) 42, to which the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5, is adapted to be inserted into a space formed in the outer case (first case) 41. The inner case (second case) 42 may be inserted into the outer case (first case) 41 before or after the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inner case (second case) 42, to which the conductor 6 is fastened (fixed) to the terminal block 5, is inserted into the space formed in the outer case (first case) 41, and the ground terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. Specifically, the ground terminal 7 is fastened to an upper surface 413a of the exposed fixing portion 413 formed between the peripheral wall 412 of the outer case 41 and the peripheral wall 422 of the inner case 42, i.e., to the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction).

[0051] Specifically, the ground terminal 7 includes an electric wire 71 that is grounded to an external connection terminal or the like, and an electric wire crimp terminal 72 that is electrically connected to the electric wire 71. The electric wire 71 includes a core wire (conductor portion) 711 and an electrically insulating coating portion (conductor coating portion) 712 that covers the core wire 711. The ground terminal 7 is formed by crimping at least the core wire 711 of the electric wire 71 to the electric wire crimp portion 721 of the electric wire crimp terminal 72.

[0052] The wire crimp terminal 72 also includes a connection portion 722 that is connected to the wire crimping portion 721 and to which the earth terminal fixing bolt 4142 is fastened to electrically connect to the exposed fixing portion 413. The connection portion 722 is formed with an insertion hole 7221 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) and through which the earth terminal fixing bolt 4142 is inserted.

[0053] On the other hand, the exposed fixing portion 413 has an earth terminal fixing screw hole 4141 formed so as to open upward, and the shaft portion 41421 of the earth terminal fixing bolt 4142 is screwed into this earth terminal fixing screw hole 4141.

[0054] Then, with the insertion hole 7221 of the ground terminal 7 communicating with the ground terminal fixing screw hole 4141, the shaft 41421 of the ground terminal fixing bolt 4142 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 7221 and the ground terminal fixing screw hole 4141 and screwed into the insertion hole 7221. In this manner, the ground terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. In this manner, in this embodiment, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction).

[0055] In this embodiment, when viewed from above (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the outer case (first case) 41 is formed with an exposed fixing portion 413 that is exposed on the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) inside the peripheral wall 412. The earth terminal 7 is grounded and fixed to this exposed fixing portion 413.

[0056] In this manner, in this embodiment, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the inside of the outer case (first case) 41, and the ground terminal 7 is fastened and fixed inside the outer case (first case) 41. Therefore, if the ground terminal 7 is fastened and fixed inside the outer case (first case) 41, it becomes necessary to form an area exposed upward, such as the exposed fixing portion 413, on the inside of the outer case (first case) 41.

[0057] In the electrical junction box 3 in which an area exposed upward is formed inside the outer case (first case) 41 and the ground terminal 7 is fastened and fixed in this area, it is preferable to make effective use of the area exposed upward (exposed fixing portion 413). That is, in a configuration in which the electrical junction box 3 is attached to the fixing member 2 with the internal component (ground terminal 7) fixed to the case (first case 41), it is preferable to make effective use of the portion where the internal component is fixed (exposed fixing portion 413).

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413 to which the ground terminal 7 is fixed to the ground can be effectively utilized.

[0059] Specifically, the exposed fixing portion 413 is formed with an earth terminal fixing portion 414 for fixing the earth terminal 7 to the ground, and a fixing member fixing portion 415 for fixing the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2.

[0060] In this embodiment, a screw hole 4151 for fixing a fixing member is provided in the exposed fixing portion 413, and a shaft portion 41521 of a bolt 4152 for fixing a fixing member is screwed into this screw hole 4151 for fixing a fixing member.

[0061] Then, with the insertion hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member, the shaft 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 is inserted and screwed into the insertion hole 21 and the screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member. In this way, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0062] In this way, a fixing member fixing portion 415 for fixing the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2 is formed on the exposed fixing portion 413 which must be provided in order to fix the earth terminal 7 to the ground.

[0063] In this way, in the electrical junction box 3 shown in this embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413 on which the ground terminal fixing portion 414 for fixing the ground terminal 7 to the ground is provided also has the fixing member fixing portion 415 for fixing the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the exposed fixing portion 413 provided for fixing the ground terminal 7 to the ground.

[0064] In this embodiment, the outer case (first case) 41 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the exposed fixing portion 413 has a first exposed fixing portion 4131 formed at a corner 41 a of the outer case (first case) 41. In this embodiment, a pair of first exposed fixing portions 4131 are formed, and the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are formed at one of the first exposed fixing portions 4131. Note that in this embodiment, the outer case (first case) 41 also has a second exposed fixing portion 4132 that is not formed at the corner 41 a, and the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are also formed at this second exposed fixing portion 4132.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the first exposed fixing portion 4131 is connected to two intersecting sides of the outer case (first case) 41. This allows the connecting portion 4131a between the first exposed fixing portion 4131 and the outer case (first case) 41 to form a line with a bent portion when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). This further improves the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131). For example, if the exposed fixing portion is connected to only one side of the outer case (first case) 41 outside the outer case (first case) 41, the connecting portion forms a straight line when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Therefore, there is a risk that the exposed fixing portion may undergo plastic deformation starting from the connecting portion with the outer case (first case) 41. Therefore, when the exposed fixing portion is connected to only one side of the outer case (first case) 41 outside the outer case (first case) 41, it is necessary to provide a reinforcing rib or the like for the exposed fixing portion so as to suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion.

[0066] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first exposed fixing portion 4131 is formed by connecting the exposed fixing portion 413 to two intersecting sides of the outer case (first case) 41. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) without providing a reinforcing rib or the like. As a result, it is possible to further improve the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) while simplifying the configuration. In other words, it is possible to more reliably suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) while simplifying the configuration.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are formed so as to be located on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Specifically, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). It is also possible to form the fixing member fixing portion 415 on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the ground terminal fixing portion 414 on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, the screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member is formed so as to open downward in the exposed fixing portion 413, and the shaft portion 41521 of the bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing member is screwed into this screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member.

[0069] Then, with the insertion hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the fixing member fixing screw hole 4151, the shaft 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 is inserted and screwed from below (the fixing member 2 side) into the insertion hole 21 and the fixing member fixing screw hole 4151. In this manner, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413. In this manner, in this embodiment, the fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). In other words, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the lower surface 413b of the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0070] In this way, by positioning the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 can be arranged to overlap each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 can have an overlapping portion 4133a where they overlap in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction). Note that in FIG. 5 , the head 41422 of the ground terminal fixing bolt 4142 that forms part of the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the head 41522 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 that forms part of the fixing member fixing portion 415 overlap in the Z direction (first direction). In this way, the exposed fixing portion 413 includes the exposed fixing portion 4133 with the overlapping portion 4133a formed thereon. In this embodiment, the second exposed fixing portion 4132 is configured to be the exposed fixing portion 4133 having the overlapping portion 4133a formed thereon. Note that it is also possible to configure the first exposed fixing portion 4131 formed on the corner portion 41a of the outer case (first case) 41 to be the exposed fixing portion 4133 having the overlapping portion 4133a formed thereon.

[0071] In this way, even if the area of ​​the exposed fixing portion 413 is reduced when viewed from above (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), it is possible to form the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on the exposed fixing portion 413. Therefore, while reducing the area of ​​the exposed fixing portion 413, it is possible to effectively utilize the portion (exposed fixing portion 413) to which the ground terminal 7, which is an internal component of the outer case (first case) 41, is fixed.

[0072] [Operations and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the electrical junction box and the structure for fixing the electrical junction box to the fixing member shown in the above embodiment, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0073] The electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment comprises an outer case (first case) 41 having a peripheral wall 412 that opens to the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and an earth terminal 7 that is fixed to and grounded to the outer case (first case) 41.

[0074] Here, the outer case (first case) 41 has an exposed fixing portion 413 formed inside the peripheral wall 412 that is exposed on the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (up and down direction: first direction) when viewed from the upper side (one side) in the Z direction (up and down direction: first direction).

[0075] The exposed fixing portion 413 is formed with an earth terminal fixing portion 414 for fixing the earth terminal 7 to the ground, and a fixing member fixing portion 415 for fixing the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2 .

[0076] In this way, in the electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413, on which the earth terminal fixing portion 414 for fixing the earth terminal 7 to the ground, is provided, also has a fixing member fixing portion 415 for fixing the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2.

[0077] This makes it possible to effectively utilize the exposed fixing portion 413 provided for fixing the earth terminal 7 to the ground.

[0078] In this way, with the electrical connection box 3 shown in the above embodiment, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the portion (exposed fixing portion 413) in the outer case (first case) 41 where the earth terminal 7, which is an internal component, is fixed.

[0079] Furthermore, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed so as to be located on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). That is, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Furthermore, the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the ground terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0080] In this way, by positioning the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413, it becomes possible to arrange the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 so that they overlap each other. Specifically, it becomes possible for the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 to have overlapping portions 4133a where they overlap each other in the Z direction (up-down direction: first direction).

[0081] In this way, even if the area of ​​the exposed fixing portion 413 is reduced when viewed from above (one side) in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), it is possible to form the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on the exposed fixing portion 413. Therefore, while reducing the area of ​​the exposed fixing portion 413, it is possible to effectively utilize the portion (exposed fixing portion 413) to which the ground terminal 7, which is an internal component of the outer case (first case) 41, is fixed.

[0082] From the above, if the earth terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are positioned on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (up and down direction: first direction), i.e., on different surfaces (upper surface 413a and lower surface 413b) of the exposed fixing portion 413, it will be possible to contribute to miniaturization in the planar direction more than if each fixing portion were positioned on the same side of the exposed fixing portion 413, i.e., on the same surface (upper surface 413a or lower surface 413b) of the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0083] In addition, the outer case (first case) 41 may have an approximately rectangular shape when viewed along the Z direction (up and down direction: first direction), and the exposed fixing portion 413 may have a first exposed fixing portion 4131 formed at a corner portion 41a of the outer case (first case) 41.

[0084] This allows the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) to be connected to two intersecting sides of the outer case (first case) 41. As a result, the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) can be further improved. For example, if the exposed fixing portion is connected to only one side of the outer case (first case) 41 outside the outer case (first case) 41, there is a risk that the exposed fixing portion will undergo plastic deformation starting from the connection point with the outer case (first case) 41. Therefore, if the exposed fixing portion is connected to only one side of the outer case (first case) 41 outside the outer case (first case) 41, it is necessary to provide a reinforcing rib or the like for the exposed fixing portion to suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion. However, if the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) is connected to two intersecting sides of the outer case (first case) 41, it becomes possible to suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) without providing a reinforcing rib or the like. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) while simplifying the configuration. In other words, it becomes possible to more reliably suppress plastic deformation of the exposed fixing portion 413 (first exposed fixing portion 4131) while simplifying the configuration.

[0085] In the electrical junction box 3 shown in the above embodiment, the exposed fixing portion 413 located on the left side of FIG. 5 is located inside the outer case (first case) 41, but is located at the center of one side (left side) of the outer case (first case) 41, not at a corner 41a. That is, the exposed fixing portion 413 located on the left side of FIG. 5 is formed so as to be connected to only one side (left side) at the center of the side, which is more flexible than the corner 41a of the outer case (first case) 41. Therefore, the exposed fixing portion 413 located on the left side of FIG. 5 does not achieve the above-described functions and effects that can be achieved by connecting the exposed fixing portion 413 to two intersecting sides. However, it is also possible to form the exposed fixing portion 413 located on the left side of FIG. 5 at the corner 41a, which is less flexible than the center of the left side of the outer case (first case) 41, and to form a first exposed fixing portion 4131 connected to the two intersecting sides. 5 is also configured as the first exposed fixing portion 4131, the strength of the exposed fixing portion 413 located on the left side of FIG. 5 can be further improved.

[0086] In addition, the electrical connection box 3 may further include an inner case (second case) 42 that is arranged inside the peripheral wall 412 and has electrical insulation properties, and the terminal block 5 may be provided in this inner case (second case) 42.

[0087] In this way, the case 40 has a double structure, and the earth circuit formed by the earth terminal is protected within the outer case (first case) 41, while the main circuit formed by connecting the conductors to the terminal block 5 is protected within the inner case (second case) 42. In this way, by arranging the terminal block 5 and the conductors connected to the terminal block 5, which form part of the main circuit, inside the double-structured case 40 (inside the inner case 42), it is possible to more reliably protect the main circuit from external factors.

[0088] The fixing structure 1 for fixing an electric junction box to a fixing member shown in the above embodiment includes the electric junction box 3 and the fixing member 2 to which the electric junction box 3 is fixed.

[0089] In this way, it is possible to obtain a fixing structure 1 for fixing an electrical connection box to a fixing member that can effectively utilize the area (exposed fixing portion 413) where the earth terminal 7, which is an internal component of the outer case (first case) 41, is fixed.

[0090] [Others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 is formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the fixing member fixing portion 415 is formed on the lower side (other side). However, the configuration of the electrical junction box 3 is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations are possible. For example, the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), and the ground terminal fixing portion 414 may be formed on the lower side (other side).

[0092] The ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may also be positioned on the same side of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). That is, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 may be formed on the upper side (one side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction). Positioning the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on the same surface (upper surface 413a) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in this manner allows the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 to be fastened from the same direction, thereby further improving workability. Whether the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are positioned on the same surface of the exposed fixing portion 413 or on different surfaces is preferably determined based on the usage situation of the electrical junction box 3 (e.g., the location where the electrical junction box 3 is fixed).

[0093] In the configuration shown in Figures 14 and 15, an earth terminal fixing screw hole 4141 is formed in the exposed fixing portion 413 so as to open upward, and the shaft portion 41421 of the earth terminal fixing bolt 4142 is screwed into this earth terminal fixing screw hole 4141.

[0094] Furthermore, a screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member is formed in the exposed fixing portion 413 so as to penetrate in the Z direction (up and down direction: first direction), and the shaft portion 41521 of the bolt 4152 for fixing the fixing member is screwed into this screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member.

[0095] Specifically, with the insertion hole 21 formed in the fixing member 2 communicating with the screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member, the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152 is inserted and screwed into the screw hole 4151 for fixing the fixing member and the insertion hole 21. Then, a nut 4153 is fastened to the tip of the shaft portion 41521 of the fixing member fixing bolt 4152. In this manner, the fixing member 2 is fixed to the exposed fixing portion 413.

[0096] 14 and 15, the exposed fixing portion 413 that must be provided to fix the earth terminal 7 to the ground is also provided with the fixing member fixing portion 415 that fixes the outer case (first case) 41 to the fixing member 2. In other words, the exposed fixing portion 413 that is provided to fix the earth terminal 7 to the ground can also be effectively used in the configuration shown in FIGS.

[0097] 14 and 15, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are formed so as not to overlap each other in the Z direction (the up-down direction: the first direction) (see FIG. 14). Therefore, the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 are larger than when they are positioned on the opposite side of the exposed fixing portion 413, but the configuration shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 still makes it possible to achieve a smaller size than the conventional configuration.

[0098] It is also possible to form the ground terminal fixing portion 414 and the fixing member fixing portion 415 on the lower side (the other side) of the exposed fixing portion 413 in the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction).

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiment, an outer case (first case) 41 having an approximately rectangular shape when viewed along the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction) is exemplified, but the shape of the outer case (first case) 41 can be various shapes, such as a circle or a polygon.

[0100] In addition, the specifications of the housing, fixing members, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate.

[0101] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-059419 (filing date: April 2, 2024) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0102] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Fixing structure of electrical junction box to fixing member 2 Fixing member 3 Electrical junction box 41 Outer case (first case) 41a Corner portion 412 Peripheral wall 413 Exposed fixing portion 4131 First exposed fixing portion 414 Ground terminal fixing portion 415 Fixing member fixing portion 42 Inner case (second case) 5 Terminal block 7 Ground terminal

Claims

1. An electrical connection box comprising: a first case having a peripheral wall that opens to one side in a first direction; and an earth terminal that is grounded and fixed to said first case; wherein said first case has an exposed fixing portion that is exposed to one side in said first direction inside said peripheral wall when viewed from said one side in said first direction; and said exposed fixing portion has an earth terminal fixing portion that grounds and fixes said earth terminal, and a fixing member fixing portion that fixes said first case to a fixing member.

2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein the earth terminal fixing portion and the fixing member fixing portion are formed so as to be positioned on opposite sides of the exposed fixing portion in the first direction.

3. An electrical connection box as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first case has a generally rectangular shape when viewed along the first direction, and the exposed fixing portion has a first exposed fixing portion formed at a corner of the first case.

4. The electrical junction box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second case disposed inside the peripheral wall and having electrical insulation properties, wherein a terminal block is provided in the second case.

5. A structure for fixing an electric junction box to a fixing member, comprising: the electric junction box according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a fixing member to which the electric junction box is fixed.

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