DE102004038859B4 - Electrical connection box and method for installing an electrical connection box - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connection box (10) to be installed near a hood (9) in an engine compartment while being fixed to a vehicle body (40), the electrical connection box (10) comprising:
a first surface (12a) formed into a chamfered or rounded surface which is inclined with respect to a direction of an impact load (L),
a movably supported portion (13) positioned and movably supported on the vehicle body (40) by a movable fixing support means (20; 41) such that when an impact is applied to the first surface (12a) via the hood (9) is applied, the movably supported portion (13) is allowed to move relatively to displace the electrical connection box (10), whereby an impact absorbing space (IAS) is interposed between the hood (9) and the electrical connection box (10). can be defined or enlarged,
wherein the first surface (12a) is formed in the chamfered surface which slopes downwardly from one end to the other.

Description

The The present invention relates to an electrical connection box and a method of installing or mounting a electrical connection box and is particularly designed or designed to be close to an electrical connection box the inner surface a hood is installed in an engine room, moving or To allow pivoting or twisting in a collision, whereby an impact is mitigated, which by the electric Junction box exercised becomes, if a pedestrian, cyclist or the like collides with the hood.

There are cases where, in a motor vehicle hood, an electrical connection box such as a relay box is installed at a position near the inner surface of the hood. Specifically protrude, as in 5 shown brackets or carrier 2 . 3 . 4 , which with screw or bolt holes 2a . 3a . 4a are formed from the surrounding wall of a housing of an electrical connection box 1 before, and bolts which are fixed to a vehicle body or a vehicle body by welding, through the bolt holes 2a . 3a . 4a inserted and nuts are attached to it, reducing the electrical connection box 1 is fixed or fixed to a vehicle body panel or a vehicle body panel.

In this electrical connection box 1 is the bolt hole 2a which is in parenthesis 2 is formed, as a reference or reference hole, a directly circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt inserted thereby. The other bolt holes, ie the bolt hole 3a the bracket 3 and the bolt hole 4a the bracket 4 are an elongated hole and a directly circular hole, which has a diameter greater than that of the bolt, to a displacement or displacement of the electrical connection box 1 take.

In addition, an electrical connection box 5 which is in 6 is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H09-284949. This electrical connection box 5 is inclined or arranged obliquely. A wave 5a , which from the bottom end of the electrical connection box 5 protrudes, is rotatable in a bearing ring 6b a clamp or a carrier 6a fixed, which (r) on a vehicle body 6 over an anti-vibration rubber 7 is mounted, and a clip 5b , which at the upper end of the electrical connection box 6 is mounted on an instrument panel or a dashboard 8th established.

The electric connection box having the above construction can mitigate impact on a pedestrian H when a hood 9 down in the case that the pedestrian H hit by a vehicle hits the upper surface of the hood 9 falls or jumps like this in 7 is shown. To the hood 9 to allow it to be dented down, an impact absorbing space below must be defined. When the electrical connection box 1 . 5 near the bottom surface of the hood 9 Installed, for example, at a distance of 60 mm or shorter of it and is firmly mounted to the vehicle body by the bolt and the nut, however, the hood dell 9 slightly down until it is in contact with the top surface of the electrical connection box 1 . 5 passes, with any further denting down through the electrical connection box 1 . 5 is prevented. Such an impact force on the pedestrian H can not be mitigated.

Because the electrical connection box 5 the upper end thereof fixedly fixed over the bracket, although it has rotatably fixed the bottom end thereof, the electrical connection box pivots 5 not sufficient, even if a load on the electrical connection box 5 is exercised. Therefore, a sufficient impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box can not be defined.

The post-published DE 10 2004 037 612 A1 describes an electrical connection box having a housing from which protrudes a vertically extending clip. The bracket is provided with bolt holes to be fastened by bolts projecting from a vehicle body.

The DE 199 55 648 C2 discloses a headlamp assembly having a housing pivotally mounted about a vertical axis of rotation for rotation in an impact toward the vehicle interior.

JP-A-58 030 874 A discloses a front construction of a vehicle body, in the case of a radiator grille and headlights over a crash cushion structure are mounted on the vehicle body and a front end of the Bonnet is made of rubber.

DE 27 27 517 A1 discloses a front retractable bumper, the headlight and grille pivoted when retracting to the rear.

The The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems developed, and it is a target or object thereof, an impact to increase absorbing space near the hood.

This The aim is according to the invention by an electrical connection box according to claim 1 and by a method of installing an electrical Connecting box according to claim 15 solved. Preferred embodiments The invention is the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention becomes an electrical connection or junction box, which is close to the inner surface of a Hood is installed, thus allowing to move easily, in particular to turn or to pivot when a pedestrian, cyclist or the like with the hood collides, making the hood in particular essentially denting down to a greater extent, an impact force on the pedestrian or To mitigate or weaken cyclists.

According to the invention, there is provided an electrical connection box which is to be installed near or substantially below a hood in an engine room while being fixed to a vehicle body having the electric connection box :
a first surface formed in a sloped or rounded surface which is inclined with respect to a direction of an impact load or cuts it,
a movably supported portion which is positioned and movably supported or fixed to the vehicle body by a movable fixing support such that when an impact occurs (which in particular has a certain force or greater) is exerted on the first surface via the hood, the movably supported portion is allowed to move relative to displace the electrical connection box, whereby an impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box can be defined or enlarged, wherein the first surface formed in the inclined surface, which is inclined downwards from an end closest to the hood toward the movably supported portion which is fixed to the vehicle body is.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention is the first surface provided on a first cover which locks with a housing main body is.

Furthermore, preferably comprises the movable fixing support is one or more supporting Shaft (s) and corresponding bearings, the one of which movably supported Precede section, and the other thereof from the vehicle body or protrude the vehicle body.

Yet more preferably the movably supported Section a second, preferably lower cover, which on through the vehicle body a brace of one or more shaft (s) and corresponding bearings of the movable fixing Support is positioned and movably supported, with one of them from the distal, preferably bottom ends of the lateral side walls of the second, preferably lower cover project, which with a distal, preferably lower part of the housing main body is locked, and the others from the vehicle body protrude.

At the are most preferred when an impact on the beveled surface of the first, preferably upper cover of the housing is exerted on the hood, the one or more bearings and the corresponding supporting ones Waves relative to the second, preferably lower cover, the Housing main body and the first, preferably top cover opposite to a side from or opposite to the one to turn or to pivot, which on the vehicle body is fixed, creating an impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box defined or be enlarged can.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electrical connection box installed near the lower surface of a hood in an engine compartment while being fixed to a vehicle body, wherein:
the upper surface of an upper cover, which is locked to an upper part of a housing main body, is formed into a slanted surface inclined downward from one end nearest to the lower surface of the hood to the other end fixed to the vehicle body,
the lower cover is positioned and supported on the vehicle body by support shafts and bearings, one of which projects from the bottom ends of the left and right side walls of a lower cover; which is locked to a lower part of the housing main body, and the others thereof protrude from the vehicle body, and
when an impact is applied to the slanted surface of the upper cover of the housing via the hood, the bearings and the supporting shafts are relatively rotated to pivot the lower cover, the housing main body and the upper cover to a side opposite from that on fixed to the vehicle body, whereby an impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box can be defined.

A Vehicle panel or a vehicle sheet, which (s) the electrical Fixes junction box, includes a side frame, which surrounds an engine mounting portion (engine compartment), and the electrical connection or connection box is on a side surface of the side frame facing the engine compartment is.

If the electrical connection box the above mounting structure The electrical connection box is normally along of the side frame by a support the supporting one or support shafts, which of one of the vehicle body and of the electrical connection box projecting through the bearings and fixed, which protrude from the other of them.

on the other hand becomes, if a pedestrian, cyclist or the like collides with the hood to a downward acting Impact load on the electrical connection box exercise, the impact load on the bevelled upper surface of the upper cover exerted, which exerted the burden is going to be the electrical connection box to the inside of the Engine compartment to turn or pivot while the supporting waves of the electrical connection box in the bearings. As a result, the electrical connection box after laid down, creating a great, an impact absorbing space between the hood and the upper surface the electrical connection box is defined. That's what you can do The hood after the electrical connection box after down in a big one Dent the extent, whereby an impact force on the pedestrian is mitigated or attenuated, to protect him.

Furthermore can, since the top cover is chamfered, a sufficient an impact absorbing space between a lower part of the bevelled Section and the hood are defined, even before the electric Connection box is pivoted by an impact force.

Preferably protrude the supporting Waves from the bottom ends of the left and right sidewall of the lower cover in front and are positioned by the bearings and supported which of the vehicle body protrude.

This therefore, there, when the supporting waves are mounted on the electrical connection box, the electrical connection box can be swiveled gently, if and / or the supporting ones Shafts are rotated in the bearing when an impact force is applied.

Preferably protrude the supporting Waves from the distal, preferably bottom ends of the lateral side walls the second, preferably lower cover before and are through the Positioned and supported bearings, which of the vehicle body protrude.

Furthermore, preferred are the supporting shafts through metal bars or rods educated.

Yet more preferably the movable fixing support threshold value setting means, which define a threshold force such that movement of the electrical connection box is allowed when a force is substantially equal or greater than the threshold force is applied or exercised thereon.

Furthermore, Preferably, the threshold setting means comprises one or several projection (protrusions), which on the supporting shaft, is preferably provided on the metal bars or are, and at least partially into one or more groove (s) or groove (s) fitted is or which are formed in the inner surfaces of the bearings is or are the supportive Position and support waves.

Yet more preferably occur when the impact load is applied, the projections out of the grooves to allow the rotation of the supporting shafts or allow.

Most preferably, the supporting shafts are formed by metal bars,
Protrusions are provided on the metal bars and fitted in grooves formed in the inner surfaces of the bearings to position and support the supporting shafts, and
when the impact load is applied, the projections exit from the grooves to allow the rotation of the supporting shafts.

If the supporting waves are formed by the metal rods, the strength or Strength thereof can be increased, thereby allowing the electrical connection box to normally be supported with increased strength, and the supporting shafts can surely pivot the electric connection box when rotated without being cut or broken, when an impact is applied. Further, when the protrusions are provided on the supporting shafts formed by the metal rods and fitted in the grooves formed in the inner surfaces of the bearings to position and support the electrical connection box, unintended rotation of the shaft can be made electrical connection box in a normal state due to the vibration of the vehicle body or the like. Can be prevented, whereby a large impact absorbing space by pivoting the electrical connection box can be defined only when a large impact load is applied.

According to one further preferred embodiment comprises the electrical connection box further defines a releasably Support for a releasable setting or mounting or supporting of the electrical connection box on the vehicle body, so that if an impact of a certain (predetermined or predeterminable) Force or bigger on the electrical connection box acts release releasably fixing support is allowed and movement of the electrical connection box.

Preferably, the releasably fixing support comprises:
a bracket protruding from a side of the case main body to be fixed to the vehicle body, and formed with a bolt hole and a slit extending from the bolt hole substantially to the distal, preferably upper edge of the bracket,
a bolt which protrudes from the vehicle body, at least partially inserted through the bolt hole and held in place with a nut, and
a predetermined state is set by the bolt to be canceled when a certain impact force or greater.

Furthermore, preferred is (are) larger electrical part (s) in the first, preferably upper surface of the Housing main body at one projecting side of the first, preferably upper cover mounted, while (a) shorter (s) electrical part (s) at the substantially opposite or opposite side is mounted or are.

Preferably, a bracket projects from a side of the case main body fixed to the vehicle body, and is formed with a bolt hole and a slit extending from the bolt hole toward the upper edge and the upper edge of the bolt Bracket extends,
is a bolt, which protrudes from the vehicle body, inserted through the bolt hole and held in place with a nut, and
a predetermined state is set by the bolt to be released when a certain impact force is exerted.

If this construction is applied or used, the electrical Junction box through the bolt and the nut on the carrier or the bracket additionally to the two-point supports through the supporting waves and the bearings on the opposite left and right side of the lower cover are supported, i.e. the electrical connection box can be supported at three points. Thus, the electrical connection box can be normal on the vehicle body be determined with a necessary force. On the other hand, that is Clamp set to have such a strength in order to exercise a certain impact load or larger broken too be by placing a slit or a thinned section in one area or section of the clip is or is. Therefore, when an impact load is equal to or greater than a predetermined load exercised is broken, the clamp and does not hinder the rotation of the electrical connection box.

Yet more preferably, an inclination angle of the tapered surface is within a range of about 20 to about 60 ° set; and / or the am Most projecting leading or leading end of the beveled surface is at a distance of about 60 mm or shorter from the lower surface of the To arrange hood.

Most preferably, larger electrical portion (s) are mounted in the first, preferably upper surface of the housing main body on an upwardly projecting side of the first, preferably upper, cover, while (a) shorter (s) electrical part (s) are mounted on the opposite side,
an inclination angle of the tapered surface is set within a range of 20 to 60 °; and
Place the most protruding front end of the top surface 60 mm or shorter from the bottom surface of the hood.

If the shorter ones and larger parts mounted on different sides of the housing main body as above or are arranged, is the number of parts, which in the housing main body mountable are not limited by the inclination or bevel of the top cover. If the angle of inclination of the bevelled surface the top cover is set or set to about 20 to about 60 ° to can be such a force to the electrical connection box to pivot and to lay down, safely by a collision load be exercised which on the beveled upper surface the top cover is exerted from above.

Furthermore is considering a Impact force applied to a human or the like when he collides with a bonnet, a room of at least about 60 mm preferably between the hood and one in an engine compartment defined member defined. If a sufficient space is not to disposal however, the above construction is applied or used to the rotation of the electrical connection box to enable. Thus, when a person or the like collides with the hood, an impact absorbing space of about 60 mm or longer between the hood and the internal limb are defined to be an impact force on man or the like to mitigate or dampen which collided.

According to the invention, there is further provided a method of installing or mounting an electrical connection box, in particular according to the invention or a preferred embodiment thereof, near or substantially below a hood in an engine compartment, while the electrical connection box is provided on a vehicle body or a vehicle body, the method comprising the following steps:
Providing an electrical connection box having a first surface formed into a sloped or rounded surface which is inclined with respect to a direction of an impact load,
Positioning and movably supporting a moveably supported portion of the electrical connection box on the vehicle body by a moveable locating support, such that when an impact is applied to the first surface via the hood allowing the movably supported portion to relatively move to displace the electrical connection box, whereby an impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box can be defined or increased, wherein in the positioning and movable support step a plurality of supporting shafts of the movable fixing support are engaged with respective bearings, one of which protrudes from the movable supported portion, and the others thereof project from the vehicle body.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention becomes the first surface in the beveled surface formed which is closest from one end to the next the hood to the movably supported Section is inclined, which is set on the vehicle body is or is.

At the is most preferred when an impact on the beveled or inclined surface the first, preferably upper cover of the housing over the Dome exercised is the one or more bearings and the corresponding supporting Waves relatively rotated to the second, preferably lower cover, the housing main body and the first, preferably top cover opposite to a side from the one to pivot or set, which is fixed to the vehicle body which creates an impact absorbing space between the hood and the electrical connection box defined or enlarged can.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention be with a reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and from the attached drawings more clearly become. It should be understood that, although embodiments described separately, individual features thereof to additional embodiments can be combined.

1 Fig. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing its state where an electrical connection box is installed under a hood;

2 is a schematic exploded view of the electrical connection box,

3 (A) is a side view of a lower cover, and 3 (B) FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing portions for fixing the lower cover and a vehicle body; FIG.

4 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state where the electric connection box is twisted at a collision load; FIG.

5 (A) and 5 (B) are a front view and a left side view showing an electrical connection box according to the prior art.

6 is a diagram showing another electrical connection box according to the prior art, and

7 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an installed position of the electrical connection box and a problem inherent in this electrical connection box. FIG.

following becomes a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the enclosed Drawings described.

1 to 4 show the preferred embodiment of the present invention. An electrical connection box 10 is at a position near (preferably the lower or outer surface) of a hood 9 similar to the prior art, which in 7 is shown, and is on (preferably the inner surface) of a vehicle body or a vehicle body 40 to fix, for example, which (r) is made of a side frame which divides a motor mounting space.

The electrical connection box 10 is achieved by a mutual locking of a first (preferably substantially upper) cover 12 with a first (preferably substantially upper) side of a housing main body 11 and a second (preferably substantially lower) cover 13 with a second (preferably substantially lower) side of the housing main body 11 assembled. The case main body 11 , the first (top) cover 12 and the second (lower) cover 13 are preferably all articles molded from a resin.

As in 1 is a first (upper) surface 12a the first (upper) cover 12 connected to the first (upper) side of the housing main body 11 is locked, a sloped or curved surface, which from a left side, which is a middle or intermediate side X of an engine compartment, to a side (right) side inclined or bent down, which on a vehicle body 40 is fixed when the electrical connection box 10 on the vehicle body 40 is fixed. This angle of inclination is preferably about 20 to about 60 degrees, most preferably about 30 degrees (as shown in this embodiment). In other words, the first (upper) surface 12a (which is a preferred impact surface where a potential impact acts thereon) tilted or bent so as to be higher (or closer to the hood 9 ) to be in a position farther to the middle or intermediate side X than to the lateral side, where an impact may possibly originate, such as from a person (for example, a pedestrian or cyclist) being hit by the motor vehicle , The most prominent, left end of the upper surface 12a is at a distance of preferably about 20 to about 40 mm, most preferably about 30 mm from the lower surface of the hood 9 , and the lateral (right) end attached to the vehicle body 40 is set at a distance of about twice, preferably about 60 mm or longer thereof. By tilting or bending the top cover 12 in this way, an impact absorbing space IAS is defined or enlarged to the side which is on the vehicle body 40 is fixed without the entire upper surface 12a the top cover 12 about 60 mm from the hood 9 to space.

The case main body 11 which is substantially between the second (lower) cover 13 and the first (top) cover 12 coupled or enclosed is a (preferably substantially vertical) long housing. In the first (substantially upper) surface of the housing main body 11 on which the first (top) cover 12 is at least one fusible link receiving portion 11a preferably on a protruding side of the first (upper) cover 12 provided or made available; one or more relay receiving section (s) 11b is or are preferably provided or provided at a middle or intermediate side; and one or more backup section (s) 11c is or are preferably provided on the side, which on the vehicle body 40 is to be determined. At least one fusible link 30 which is a large part is in the fusible link receiving portion 11a to assemble; one or more relays 31 is or are in the corresponding, a relay receiving sections 11b to assemble; and one or more backups 32 , which are short parts, are in the respective fuse receiving portions 11c to assemble. In this way, electrical parts in the housing main body are substantially corresponding to or in accordance with the inclination of the upper cover 12 mounted or arranged. In other words, the electrical or electronic component (for example, the fusion connection 30 in this embodiment) having the highest projecting distance from the corresponding one receiving portion (for example, the fusible link receiving portion 11a ) at a position substantially corresponding to the more protruding or higher portion of the first (upper) surface 11a arranged.

A clamp or a carrier 11d which (r) with a bolt hole 11e is formed, preferably projects substantially upwardly from a side surface of the housing main body 11 , which on the vehicle body 40 is to be fixed, and a bolt B, which of the vehicle body 40 protrudes at least partially through the bolt hole 11e to use and hold in place with a mother N. The clip 11d is also formed with a slot which with the bolt hole 11e communicates. When an impact load of a certain (predetermined or predeterminable) intensity or greater acts, the bolt B emerges from the bolt hole 11e while the slot is being widened, eliminating the electrical connection box 10 from its predetermined state on the vehicle body 40 is released. Accordingly, the parenthesis 11d separable or removable on the vehicle body 40 by means of the bolt hole 11e and the slot (as preferred releasably fixing means) which allows the release of the fixed or mounted state when the impact load of the determined (predetermined or predeterminable) intensity or greater on the electrical connection box 10 acts.

If the electrical connection box at two supporting points due to a high support strength can be fixed, which by projections or elevations of a pair of supporting Shafts and bearings is given, which are to be described later, is It is not always necessary to provide the housing main body with the clip and to connect this bracket to the vehicle body.

A wiring harness W / H having a surface (preferably, the second (substantially bottom) surface) of the case main body 11 is connected through the second (lower) cover 13 lead out or -zuziehen.

In the second (lower) cover 13 , which with the second (lower) part of the housing main body 11 is to lock, projecting (protrude) one or more, preferably a pair of supporting or support shafts 20 (which are preferably made of metal rods or hard plastic or resin) to the outside at positions at a distance from the bracket 11d , preferably near the substantially opposite distal (bottom) ends of lateral (left and right) sidewalls 13a on a side, which on the vehicle body 40 determine how this is done in 3 is shown. A projection or a survey 21 (as a preferred threshold setting means or a threshold setting support) preferably projects substantially downwardly or in a direction substantially away from or opposite to the clamp 11d and extends substantially in a longitudinal direction at the distal (bottom) end of the outer peripheral surface of each supporting shaft 20 , preferably over the substantially entire extent of each supporting shaft 20 ,

One or more, preferably a pair of bearings 41 (as a preferred threshold setting means or a threshold fixing support) having a corresponding or substantially U-shaped cross-section and adapted to the respective supporting shafts 20 to wear, protrude (protrude) of the vehicle body 40 before, and a groove or groove 42 , which with the projection 21 is preferably on a corresponding (substantially bottom) part of each camp 41 educated. The inner diameter of the bearings 41 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the supporting shafts 20 so that the supporting waves 20 at least partially so close or exactly in the camp 41 are fitted while at least partially the projections 21 in the grooves 42 are fitted so as not to rotate unless a specific (predetermined or predeterminable) rotational force is applied. In other words, the supporting shaft (s) rotate (pivot) or pivot (swivel) 20 not in relation to the corresponding bearing (s) 41 unless the specific (predetermined or predeterminable) rotational force is applied to the supporting shaft (s) 20 preferably due to the fact that the protrusion (s) 21 at least partially into the corresponding groove (s) 42 is or is in engagement with or in engagement with this, resulting in a lifting of the supporting shaft (s) 20 essentially in accordance with the specific (predetermined or predeterminable) rotational force to be exercised. Accordingly, the electrical connection box 10 movable on the vehicle body 40 firmly by means of the supporting shaft (s) 20 and the corresponding bearing (s) 41 fixed or mounted as preferred movable fixing or mounting means. Preferably, the protrusion (s) form (form) 21 which is (r) at least partially fitted in the corresponding groove (s), or engaged, preferred threshold value defining means 42 or are part of it which generate a threshold force (preferably a certain (predetermined or predeterminable) rotational force) fixed to the movable ones laying or mounting means, such that movement (preferably, rotational or pivotal movement) of the electrical connection box 10 is allowed or possible. In other words, the threshold value fixing means ( 21 . 42 ) substantially the movable fixing means ( 20 . 41 ) or keep them immobile, except the threshold force or greater is exercised.

The electrical connection box 10 is by fitting the one or more, preferably a pair of supporting shafts 20 in the camps 41 of the vehicle body 40 preferably at the distal bottom ends of the lateral (left and right) sides of the second (lower) cover 13 and at least partially engaging the projection (s) 21 with the corresponding groove (s) 42 to position and fix, and the parenthesis 11d of the housing main body 11 is (detachable) on the vehicle body 40 by means of the bolt B and the nut N and the bolt hole 11e to fix, which has the slot. In short, is the vehicle body 40 preference is given to a set of three points, as stated in 1 is shown.

The electrical connection or connection box 10 having the above construction is normally or usually fixed to the vehicle body 40 preferably fixed at three points, as described above in a 1 shown state is described.

If a pedestrian, cyclist or the like with the hood 9 collides and a substantially down-acting load or load LP over the hood 9 acts, this impact load L (less than the load LP) on the bevelled upper surface 12a the top cover 12 exerted, whereby a load L 'on the electrical connection box 10 in a direction away from the vehicle body 40 acts as indicated by an arrow in 1 is indicated. This load L ', when it exceeds the determined (predetermined or predeterminable) load, preferably causes the bolt B which supports the electrical connection box 10 on the vehicle body 40 determines, exit, while the slot of the bracket 11d is widened, causing the electrical connection box 10 from its fixed or mounted state on the vehicle body 40 is released by the releasable fixing means, preferably by the bolt B and the nut N. At the same time, the protrusion (protrusions) 21 the supporting shaft (s) 20 out of the groove (s) 42 the storage 41 off and the supporting shaft (s) 20 turns (turn) or pivots (pivots) in one direction R (counterclockwise) in the bearings 41 like this in 4 is shown (where the direction R has a directional component together with the load L ', ie the load L' has a force component substantially parallel to a directional component of the direction R), whereby the second (lower) cover 13 , the housing main body 11 and the first (top) cover 12 inward into the engine compartment around the supporting shafts 20 pivot. In this way, a large impact absorbing space IAS becomes about 60 mm or longer between the pivoted (preferably substantially horizontal) electrical junction box 10 and the hood 9 defined or can be defined. The hood 9 can dent in by about 60 mm, as dashed in 4 is shown to absorb an impact, thereby protecting a pedestrian, cyclist or the like.

Even though the supporting ones Waves protruding from the lower cover through the metal bars are trained, can the supporting ones Shafts also be made of a resin or plastic and integral or in one piece formed with the second (lower) cover by molding or casting be.

Furthermore can (can) the bearing (s) protrude from the second (lower) cover, the supporting (n) Wave (s) can (can) from the vehicle body projecting and the bearing (s) integrally or in one piece the second (lower) cover is formed, can or can about the supporting (s) Shaft (s) of the vehicle body rotate or pivot when an impact is applied.

As is clear from the above description, the electrical connection box can be normally or usually positioned and fixed to the vehicle body by the supporting shafts and the bearings as preferred movable fixing means. On the other hand, when a pedestrian, cyclist or the like collides with the hood to apply a (preferably substantially downward) impact load L to the electrical connection box, the impact load L acts on the bevelled or rounded first (upper) surface of the first (FIG. upper) cover to push or push the electrical connection box toward or in one direction to be laid in one direction (ie, a direction substantially away from a normal position of the hood) and the supporting one (n) Shaft (s) and the bearing (s) supporting the second (lower) cover of the electrical connection box (s) are relatively rotated to move the electrical connection box in the direction R towards or to Turned down position or pivot. Dar as a result, a large or larger impact absorbing space IAS is defined between the hood and the electrical connection box, thereby allowing the hood above the electrical connection box to dent down. In this way, an impact force on the pedestrian or cyclist can be mitigated to protect it.

If the supporting ones Shafts are preferably formed by the metal rods or bars, can be a supporting one Strength Strength can be increased in a normal or ordinary state and the supporting ones Waves can cause that the electrical connection box pivoted together without breaking to become when an impact is applied. In addition, if the projection (projections) preferably at the supporting one Shaft (s) is provided or are, (which preferably by the Metal bars are formed) and at least partially in the corresponding (n) Groove (s) fitted is or which are formed in the inner surfaces of the bearings is positioned, and the electrical connection box (s) and supports, the electrical junction box positioned with increased strength and may form preferred threshold setting means.

If a bracket protrudes from the case main body and on the vehicle body a bolt and a nut in addition to the (preferred two-point) support for the lower cover by the supporting (s) Shaft (s) and the (the) bearing is to be determined, whereby the electric Junction box is preferably set at three points, can the supporting or support strength for the electrical connection box are raised to the normal state. About that obstructed when the clip (as the preferred releasably defining Means) is set or fixed in such a way To have strength to break or the fixed or mounted State release when a specific (predetermined or predeterminable) Impact load is applied, the clamp is not the rotation of the electrical connection box, when an impact is applied.

Accordingly, to allow an electrical connection box to be installed near the inner surface of a hood, it is preferable to shift (preferably to rotate or pivot), thereby allowing the hood to dent to a greater extent to mitigate an impact force on a pedestrian, cyclist or the like when the pedestrian or cyclist collides with the hood, an electrical connection box 10 to install near a surface (preferably, the lower surface) of a hood in an engine room while being fixed to a vehicle body. A first (preferably upper) surface 12a a first (preferably upper) cover 12 is formed in a tapered or bent or inclined surface, which is inclined downwardly from the front end thereof closest to the lower surface of the hood toward the rear end thereof, which is fixed to the vehicle body. One or more supporting shaft (s) 20 (as preferred movable fixing means or a support) projects from another surface (preferably substantially from the bottom ends) of the lateral (left and right) side wall (s) of a second (preferably lower) cover 13 before, and is or are by one or more corresponding stock (s) 41 (as preferred mating movable fixing means or a support) positioned and supported, which (s) of the vehicle body protrudes (s). When an impact is applied to a case of the electrical connection box via the hood, the supporting shafts become 20 in the warehouse 41 rotated or pivoted by a load L which is exerted on the bevelled surface, whereby the second (lower) cover 13 , a case main body 11 and the first (top) cover 12 forward or in one direction substantially away from the normal position of the hood 9 or to be pivoted in a direction which intersects the direction of the load L to the hood 9 to allow to dent or deform or deform to a greater extent to absorb impact force.

9

Hood

10

electrical Connection- or junction box

11

Housing main body

11a

a fusible link receiving section

11b

one Relay receiving section

11c

a Fuse receiving section

11d

clip or carrier

11e

screw or bolt hole

11f

slot

12

upper cover

12a

upper surface the top cover

13

lower cover

20

supporting or Support shaft

21

head Start or survey

40

Vehicle body or vehicle body

41

camp

42

groove or groove

B

bolt

N

mother

Claims (17)

Electrical connection box ( 10 ), which is close to a hood ( 9 ) is to be installed in an engine compartment while on a vehicle body ( 40 ), wherein the electrical connection box ( 10 ) comprises: a first surface ( 12a ) formed in a chamfered or rounded surface which is inclined with respect to a direction of an impact load (L), a movably supported portion (FIG. 13 ), which on the vehicle body ( 40 ) by a movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ) and is movably supported so that when an impact on the first surface ( 12a ) over the hood ( 9 ) is applied to the movably supported section ( 13 ) is allowed to move relative to the electrical connection box ( 10 ), whereby an impact absorbing space (IAS) between the hood ( 9 ) and the electrical connection box ( 10 ) can be defined or enlarged, the first surface ( 12a ) is formed in the chamfered surface which is downwardly from one end closest to the hood ( 9 ) towards the movably supported section (FIG. 13 ) is inclined, which on the vehicle body ( 40 ). An electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein the first surface ( 12a ) on a first cover ( 12 ) provided with a housing main body ( 11 ) is locked. Electrical connection box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ) one or more supporting shafts ( 20 ) and corresponding bearings ( 41 ), one of which ( 20 thereof thereof from the movably supported section ( 13 ) and the other ( 41 ) thereof from the vehicle body ( 40 ) protrude. An electrical connection box according to claim 3, wherein said movably supported section (14) 13 ) a second, preferably lower cover ( 13 ), which on the vehicle body ( 40 ) by supporting one or more shaft (s) ( 20 ) and corresponding warehouses ( 41 ) of the movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ) is positioned and movably supported, wherein the one ( 20 ) thereof from the distal, preferably bottom ends of the lateral side walls of the second, preferably lower cover ( 13 protruding with a distal, preferably lower part of the housing main body ( 11 ), and the others ( 41 ) thereof from the vehicle body ( 40 ) protrude. Electrical connection box according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, if an impact (L) on the bevelled surface ( 12a ) of the first, preferably upper cover ( 12 ) of the housing over the hood ( 9 ) which carries one or more bearings ( 41 ) and the corresponding supporting shafts ( 20 ) are relatively rotated to the second, preferably lower cover ( 13 ), the housing main body ( 11 ) and the first, preferably upper cover ( 12 ) to a side opposite of the one to pivot or turn, which on the vehicle body ( 40 ), whereby an impact absorbing space (IAS) between the hood ( 9 ) and the electrical connection box ( 10 ) can be defined or enlarged. An electrical connection box according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the supporting shafts ( 20 ) from the distal, preferably bottom ends of the lateral side walls of the second, preferably lower cover ( 13 ) and through the bearings ( 41 ) are positioned and supported, which of the vehicle body ( 40 ) protrude. Electrical connection box according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the supporting shafts ( 20 ) are formed by metal bars. Electrical connection box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ) Threshold value setting means ( 21 ; 42 ), which define a threshold force, so that movement of the electrical connection box ( 10 ) is allowed when a force substantially equal to or greater than the threshold force is applied thereto. An electrical connection box according to claim 8, wherein: threshold value defining means ( 21 ; 42 ) one or more projections ( 21 ), which on the supporting shaft ( 20 ), preferably on the metal bars ( 20 ) are provided and at least partially in one or more grooves ( 42 ) fitted in the inner surfaces of the bearings ( 41 ) are formed to support the supporting shafts ( 20 ) to position and support. An electrical connection box according to claim 8, wherein, when the impact load (LP; L) is applied, the projections ( 21 ) from the grooves ( 42 ) to prevent the rotation of the supporting shafts ( 20 ) to allow. An electrical connection box according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a detachably setting supporting device ( 11d ; 11e ; B) for releasably setting the electrical connection box ( 10 ) on the vehicle body ( 40 ), so that when an impact of a certain force or greater on the electrical connection box ( 10 ), the releasably fixing supporting device ( 11d ; 11e ; B) is released and a movement of the electrical connection box ( 10 ) allowed. An electrical connection box according to claim 11, wherein said releasably fixing support means ( 11d ; 11e ; B) comprises: a bracket ( 11d ), which from one side of the housing main body ( 11 protruding to the vehicle body ( 40 ) and with a bolt hole ( 11e ) and a slot which extends from the bolt hole ( 11e ) substantially to the distal, preferably upper edge of the bracket ( 11d ), a bolt (B) extending from the vehicle body ( 40 protrudes, at least partially through the bolt hole ( 11e ) and is held in place with a nut (N), and a predetermined state is set by the bolt (B) to be released upon application of a certain impact force or greater. An electrical connection box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: one or more larger electrical parts ( 30 ) in the first, preferably upper surface of the housing main body ( 11 ) on a protruding side of the first, preferably upper cover ( 12 ) is mounted during one or more shorter electrical parts ( 31 ; 32 ) is mounted on the substantially opposite side or are. Electrical connection box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an angle of inclination of the bevelled surface ( 12a ) is set within a range of about 20 to about 60 °; and / or the most prominent leading end of the beveled surface ( 12a ) at a distance of about 60 mm or shorter from the lower surface of the hood ( 9 ) is to be arranged. Method for installing an electrical connection box ( 10 ) near a hood ( 9 ) in an engine compartment while the electrical connection box ( 10 ) on a vehicle body ( 40 ), the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrical connection box ( 10 ), which has a first surface ( 12a ) which is formed into a tapered or rounded surface which is inclined with respect to a direction of an impact load (L), positioning and movably supporting a movably supported portion (FIG. 13 ) of the electrical connection box ( 10 ) on the vehicle body ( 40 ) by a movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ), so that when an impact on the first surface ( 12a ) over the hood ( 9 ) is applied to the movably supported section ( 13 ) is allowed to move relative to the electrical connection box ( 10 ), whereby an impact absorbing space (IAS) between the hood ( 9 ) and the electrical connection box ( 10 ) can be defined or enlarged, wherein in the step of positioning and movable support one or more supporting shafts ( 20 ) of the movable fixing support device ( 20 ; 41 ) with corresponding bearings ( 41 ), whereby one ( 20 thereof thereof from the movably supported section ( 13 ) and the other ( 41 ) thereof from the vehicle body ( 40 ) protrude. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of forming the first surface (16). 12a ) in the chamfered surface, which down from one end closest to the hood ( 9 ) to the movably supported section ( 13 ), which on the vehicle body ( 40 ). A method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when an impact (L) on the bevelled surface ( 12a ) of the first, preferably upper cover ( 12 ) of the housing over the hood ( 9 ) which carries one or more bearings ( 41 ) and the corresponding supporting shafts ( 20 ) is relatively rotated to the second, preferably lower cover ( 13 ), the housing main body ( 11 ) and the first, preferably upper cover ( 12 ) to a side opposite of the one to pivot or turn, which on the vehicle body ( 40 ), whereby an impact absorbing space (IAS) between the hood ( 9 ) and the electrical connection box ( 10 ) can be defined or enlarged.