JP2007295706A - Electrical connection box - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical connection box excellent in radiation performance, manufacturing efficiency, and maintenance workability. <P>SOLUTION: The electrical connection box 1A includes: a housing 2; multiple fuses 3 fixed on the housing 2; and a cover 4 placed over the housing 2 to protect the fuses 3. A fuse holder 5 is fixed in the housing 2, and the fuses 3 are fixed on this fuse holder 5. A radiator plate 7 is fixed on the inner surface of the cover 4. When the cover 4 is placed over the housing 2, the radiator plate 7 is brought into contact with the tips 3a of the fuses 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical junction box mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

  As a conventional electrical junction box, for example, a configuration as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is known. The electrical junction box 100 includes a housing 102, a plurality of heat generating fuses 103 fixed to the housing 102, and a cover 104 that covers the housing 102 and protects the plurality of fuses 103. Further, in the electrical junction box 100, a fixed interval is provided between the plurality of fuses 103 and the cover 104 in a state where the cover 104 is covered with the housing 102 and the cover 104 and the housing 102 are fixed. .

  Further, a heat dissipation structure for a heat generating component is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this heat dissipation structure, a CPU is mounted on the substrate, and the CPU is in contact with the contact portion of the cover via a heat conductive sheet.

In addition, a heat dissipation mechanism for electronic components is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This heat dissipating mechanism dissipates the heat generated in the electronic component through the heat dissipating sheet by disposing the heat dissipating sheet between the electronic component mounted on the circuit board and the heat dissipating plate. Yes.
JP 2001-44673 A JP 2003-92481 A

  However, in the conventional electrical junction box 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, air with low thermal conductivity is provided between the plurality of fuses 103 and the cover 104 when the cover 104 and the housing 102 are fixed. Therefore, the heat generated from each fuse could not be efficiently dissipated to the outside. Therefore, in such a conventional electrical junction box, in order to dissipate the heat generated by electronic components such as fuses to the outside, for example, the diameter of the connecting wire and the area of the bus bar that are electrically connected to the fuse via a terminal For example, the heat dissipation measures were taken mainly on the terminal side. Thereby, there existed a problem that an electrical junction box will enlarge.

  Further, although the heat dissipation structure and the heat dissipation mechanism described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are effective as a heat dissipation measure for electronic devices such as a notebook personal computer, the vehicle accommodates heat generating electronic components such as a plurality of fuses. It is difficult to adopt as a heat dissipation measure for electrical junction boxes mounted on vehicles such as. The reason is that an electrical junction box mounted on a vehicle requires maintenance such as replacement of electronic components such as fuses with new ones, and thus requires heat dissipation measures with good maintenance workability.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box having good heat dissipation, good manufacturing efficiency and good maintenance workability.

  A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a fixing member, a plurality of heat generating electronic components fixed to the fixing member, and a cover that covers the fixing member and protects the plurality of electronic components. An electric junction box having a heat radiating plate fixed to the inner surface of the cover, and the heat radiating plate in contact with the front end portions of the plurality of electronic components in a state where the cover is put on the fixing member. In addition, the electrical connection box is characterized in that the plurality of electronic components are arranged on the fixing member.

  According to this configuration, since the step of covering the cover with the fixing member is the step of bringing the heat sink into contact with the tip portions of the plurality of electronic components, an electrical junction box with good manufacturing efficiency and maintenance workability can be obtained. Moreover, since the heat generated in the plurality of electronic components is radiated to the cover side through the heat radiating plate in contact with the tip of each electronic component, an electrical junction box with good heat dissipation can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to realize an electrical junction box with good heat dissipation and good manufacturing efficiency and maintenance workability. Furthermore, in order to dissipate the heat generated by multiple electronic components to the outside, heat dissipation measures are mainly taken on the terminal side, such as increasing the diameter of the connecting wires and bus bar area that are electrically connected to each electronic component via the terminals. Since there is no need, it is possible to prevent the electrical junction box from becoming large.

  In the first aspect, in a state where the cover is fixed on the fixing member, the plurality of electronic components are pressed against the heat radiating plate so that the front ends of the plurality of electronic components are embedded in the heat radiating plate. It is characterized by being. According to this configuration, since the movement of the plurality of electronic components is restricted when subjected to vertical vibration or horizontal vibration, it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise due to vibration. In addition, since the contact resistance between each electronic component and the heat sink is smaller than when the tips of multiple electronic components are just in contact with the heat sink, the heat dissipation effect of the heat sink is further improved accordingly. To do.

  In the first aspect, a plurality of convex portions are formed on the heat radiating plate, and tip portions of the plurality of electronic components are in contact with the plurality of convex portions, respectively. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent stress from being generated in a plurality of electronic components when subjected to vibration, and it is possible to improve the reliability of electrical component breakage and electronic component electrical connection.

  1st aspect WHEREIN: The area of the some convex part of the said heat sink which each contacts the front-end | tip part of these electronic components is smaller than the area of each front-end | tip part of the said electronic component, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. According to this configuration, since the tip portions of the plurality of electronic components are not embedded in the heat sink, it is possible to more effectively prevent stress from being generated in the plurality of electronic components when subjected to vibration, and the electronic components And the reliability of electrical connection of electronic components can be further enhanced.

  In the first aspect, each of the plurality of electronic components is a fuse, and among the plurality of fuses, a tip of a high-temperature fuse having a high heat generation temperature is in contact with the heat sink and a low-temperature fuse having a low heat generation temperature. The plurality of fuses are arranged on the fixing member so that the front end portion thereof is separated from the heat radiating plate. According to this configuration, the heat dissipation effect of the high-temperature fuse by the heat sink can be maximized by bringing only the tip of the high-temperature fuse having a high heat generation temperature out of the plurality of fuses into contact with the heat sink. At the same time, with respect to the low-temperature fuse, the thermal effect from the high-temperature fuse transmitted through the heat sink can be minimized by separating the tip portion from the heat sink. Further, a space surrounded by the cover and the fixing member is formed around the low-temperature fuse, and the temperature rise due to the heat accumulation can be suppressed by the space.

  In the first aspect, the high-temperature fuse and the low-temperature fuse are alternately arranged. According to this configuration, when opening the cover fixed to the fixing member during maintenance, the cover removal workability is better than when all the fuses are in contact with the heat sink, and the heat sink or Damage to fuses, etc. can be minimized.

Hereinafter, each embodiment which actualized the electrical junction box concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing. In the description of each embodiment, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
(First embodiment)
An electrical junction box 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the left half of the electrical junction box 1A shown in FIG. 2, and shows the electrical junction box 1A in a state where the cover is fixed to the housing. FIG. 2 shows the entire electrical junction box 1A with the cover open.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical connection box 1 </ b> A includes a housing 2 as a fixing member, a plurality of fuses 3 as heat-generating electronic parts fixed to the housing 2, and a plurality of fuses covering the housing 2. 3 and a cover 4 for protecting 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a fuse holder 5 is fixed in the housing 2. A plurality of holding holes 5 a are formed in the fuse holder 5, and the plurality of fuses 3 are fixed to the fuse holder 5 by inserting the plurality of fuses 3 into the plurality of holding holes 5 a, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, two locking claws 6 are formed at the left and right ends of the housing 2 in the longitudinal direction. In FIG. 2, locking claws 6 and 6 formed at the left end portion of the fuse holder 5 are shown. Two locking claws similar to the locking claws 6 and 6 at the left end are also formed at the right end of the fuse holder 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a heat radiating plate 7 having high thermal conductivity is fixed to the inner surface of the cover 4 by adhesion. The plurality of fuses 3 are arranged in the housing 2 such that the heat radiating plate 7 is in contact with the tip portions 3 a of the plurality of fuses 3 with the cover 4 being put on the housing 2. In other words, the plurality of fuses 3 are fixed to the fuse holder 5 so that the tip (upper surface) 3 a of each fuse slightly protrudes upward from the fuse holder 5. The plate 7 comes into contact with the tip portions 3a of all the fuses 3 in a non-adhesive state.

  Here, as the heat radiating plate 7, for example, a resin-made sheet member having a good heat dissipation property, a so-called heat conductive sheet is preferably used. As a specific example, “EFCO TM sheet” (manufactured by FP Corporation) can be used as the heat sink 7.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, engagement holes (illustrated) are formed in the left and right ends of the cover 4 in the longitudinal direction to engage with the locking claws 6 and 6 respectively formed on the left and right ends of the housing 2. Two locking pieces 8, 8 having (omitted) are formed. In FIG. 2, locking pieces 8 and 8 formed at the left end portion of the housing 2 are shown. Two locking pieces similar to the locking pieces 8 and 8 at the left end are also formed at the right end of the housing 2. When the cover 4 is put on the housing 2, the locking pieces 8, 8 formed at the left and right ends of the cover 4 are elastically deformed, and the engagement holes of the locking pieces 8, 8 are left and right ends of the housing 2. The cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2 by engaging with the locking claws 6, 6.

  In FIGS. 1 and 3, reference numeral 10 denotes a terminal electrically connected to each fuse 3.

In the electrical junction box 1A having such a configuration, the cover 4 is put on the housing 2 and the cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2, and the heat radiating plate 7 has the tips 3a of all the fuses 3 as shown in FIG. Touching. Thereby, the heat generated in the plurality of fuses 3 is radiated to the cover 4 side via the heat radiating plate 7 in contact with the tip 3 a of each fuse 3.
According to 1st Embodiment described above, there exist the following effects.
Since the step of covering the cover 4 with the housing 2 is the step of bringing the heat radiating plate 7 into contact with the tip portions 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 as it is, an electrical junction box 1A with high manufacturing efficiency can be obtained.

  An electrical junction box with good maintenance workability by bringing the heat sink 7 into contact with the tip 3a of the fuse 3 and attaching the cover 4 with the heat sink 7 from the housing 2 to which the fuse 3 is fixed. 1A can be obtained.

  Since the heat generated by the plurality of fuses 3 is radiated to the cover 4 side through the heat radiating plate 7 that is in contact with the tip 3a of each fuse 3, it is possible to obtain an electrical junction box 1A with good heat dissipation. it can.

・ To dissipate the heat generated by the fuse 3 to the outside, it is necessary to take measures to dissipate heat mainly on the terminal 10 side, such as increasing the diameter of the connecting wire and bus bar area that are electrically connected to each fuse 3 via the terminal 10. Since there is no, the enlargement of the electrical junction box 1A can be prevented.
(Second Embodiment)
An electrical junction box 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a characteristic configuration of the electrical junction box 1B according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, only one of the plurality of fuses 3 fixed to the fuse holder 5 is shown, and the other fuses 3 are not shown.

  The electrical junction box 1A described above has a structure in which the heat sink 7 fixed to the inner surface of the cover 4 is sandwiched between the tips 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 and the cover 4, so that the clearance between parts becomes very small. There is a concern that abnormal noise such as chatter may occur due to interference between components due to vehicle vibration (vertical vibration or horizontal vibration). In addition, the heat sink 7 may be contracted due to aging.

  Therefore, in the electrical junction box 1B of the present embodiment, the tips 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 are arranged on the heat sink 7 in the state where the cover 4 is fixed on the housing 2 as shown in FIG. A plurality of fuses 3 are pressed against the heat sink 7 so as to be embedded in the heat sink 7. That is, the cover 4 and the housing 2 are fixed so that the plurality of fuses 3 are pressed against the heat radiating plate 7 with a constant force so that the dimension A in the thickness direction of the heat radiating plate 7 is smaller than the original thickness B. ing.

  According to 2nd Embodiment described above, in addition to the effect which the said 1st Embodiment show | plays, there exist the following effects.

  -Since each front-end | tip part 3a of the some fuse 3 is embedded in the heat sink 7, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by vertical vibration or horizontal vibration can be prevented. In particular, when the vibration from the horizontal direction is received, the movement of the plurality of fuses 3 is restricted by the heat radiating plate 7, and the generation of noise due to the vibration can be prevented.

  Since the plurality of fuses 3 are pressed against the heat radiating plate 7 so that the front end portions 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 are embedded in the heat radiating plate 7, the front end portions 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 are in contact with the heat radiating plate 7. The contact resistance between each fuse 3 and the heat radiating plate 7 is also reduced as compared with the case where the heat radiating plate 7 is merely made, and the heat radiating effect by the heat radiating plate 7 is further improved accordingly.

The force that each fuse 3 is pressed against the heat sink 7 when receiving vibration from the horizontal direction, and that the tip 3a of each fuse 3 is embedded in the heat sink 7 (being bitten) Thus, the movement of each fuse 3 in the horizontal direction is restricted by the heat sink 7. Thereby, the damage given to electrical connection parts, such as a terminal located under each fuse 3, can be reduced.
(Third embodiment)
An electrical junction box 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows a characteristic configuration of an electrical junction box 1C according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 5, only one of the plurality of fuses 3 fixed to the fuse holder 5 is shown, and the other fuses 3 are not shown.

  In the electrical junction box 1B shown in FIG. 4, when horizontal vibration is dominant depending on the mounting state, mounting position, usage environment, or the like in the vehicle, a force is applied to each fuse 3 in the horizontal direction. Due to this squeezing force, there is a possibility that troubles that impair the reliability of electrical connection such as fine sliding wear and terminal opening may occur at the portion of the terminal 10 located below each fuse 3. Such a twisting force is generated by a backlash caused by a clearance between each fuse 3 and the fuse holder 5, a deviation of a vibration phase caused by a mass difference between the fuses 3, and the like.

  Therefore, in the electrical junction box 1C of the present embodiment, the heat radiating plate 7 is formed with a plurality of convex portions 7a, and the tip portions 3a of the plurality of fuses 3 are in contact with the plurality of convex portions 7a, respectively. Each of the plurality of convex portions 7a is processed into a trapezoid.

Further, the area of the plurality of convex portions 7 a of the heat radiating plate 7 that respectively contact the front end portions 3 a of the plurality of fuses 3 is smaller than the area of each front end portion 3 a of the fuse 3 (the area of the upper surface).
According to 3rd Embodiment described above, in addition to the effect which the said 1st Embodiment show | plays, there exist the following effects.
-It is possible to prevent the above-mentioned twisting force (stress) from being generated in a plurality of fuses 3 when subjected to vehicle vibrations, particularly horizontal vibrations, and to improve the reliability of fuse 3 damage and electrical connection. Can do. Therefore, it is effective when the electrical junction box 1C is mounted on the vehicle so that the horizontal vibration is dominant depending on the mounting state, mounting position or usage environment in the vehicle.

  It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems that impair the reliability of electrical connection such as fine sliding wear and terminal opening at the portion of the terminal 10 located below each fuse 3.

-Since the area of the plurality of projections 7a of the heat sink 7 is smaller than the area of the tips 3a of the plurality of fuses 3, the tips 3a of the fuses 3 are not embedded in the heat sink 7. It is possible to more effectively prevent stress from being generated in each fuse 3 when subjected to vibration. At the same time, breakage of the fuse 3 and reliability of electrical connection can be further enhanced. Furthermore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the occurrence of defects that impair the reliability of electrical connection such as fine sliding wear and terminal opening at the portion of the terminal 10 located below each fuse 3.
(Fourth embodiment)
An electrical junction box 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a characteristic configuration of the electrical junction box 1D according to the third embodiment.

  When the tips 3a of all the fuses 3 are brought into contact with the heat sink 7 as in the electrical junction box 1A shown in FIG. is there. Therefore, in this electrical junction box 1D, among the plurality of fuses, the tip 31a of the high-temperature fuse 31 having a high heat generation temperature contacts the heat radiating plate 7, and the tip 32a of the low-temperature fuse 32 having a low heat generation temperature is radiated. A plurality of fuses 3 are arranged in the housing 2 so as to be separated from the plate 7.

  In order to enable such an arrangement, a fuse holder 50 as shown in FIG. 6 is fixed in the housing 2. In the fuse holder 50, a holding hole (not shown) into which a plurality of low temperature fuses 32 is inserted is opened on an upper surface 50a in which a holding hole (not shown) into which a plurality of high temperature fuses 31 are inserted is opened. It is in a position closer to the heat sink 7 than the upper surface 50b.

Further, the high temperature fuses 31 and the low temperature fuses 32 are alternately arranged. Here, the high-temperature fuse 31 is, for example, a fuse rating of 20 A or more. In addition, with regard to the energization rate relative to the fuse rating, for example, a mini blade type fuse with an energization rate of 50% or more, a medium type fuse such as J type with an energization rate of 30% or more, and the high-temperature fuse 31 respectively. To do. In addition, when determining the standard of the high-temperature fuse 31 by the energization rate with respect to the fuse rating, the capacity does not matter. In this case, for example, a high-temperature fuse 31 may be used even if the fuse rating is 10A.
According to 4th Embodiment described above, in addition to the effect which the said 1st Embodiment show | plays, there exist the following effects.
The heat dissipation effect of the high-temperature fuse 31 by the heat sink 7 can be maximized by bringing only the tip 31a of the high-temperature fuse 31 having a high heat generation temperature into contact with the heat sink 7 among the plurality of fuses.

  For the low-temperature fuse 32 having a low heat generation temperature, the thermal effect from the high-temperature fuse 31 transmitted through the heat sink 7 can be minimized by separating the tip 32 a from the heat sink 7.

  A space surrounded by the cover 4 (see FIG. 1) and the fuse holder 50 is formed around the low-temperature fuse 32, and the temperature rise due to heat accumulation can be suppressed by the space.

-If the tips 3a of all the fuses 3 are brought into contact with the heat sink 7, there is a concern that the maintenance workability may deteriorate due to sticking of the heat sink 7 or the parts may be damaged during maintenance after deterioration of the product. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the high-temperature fuses 31 and the low-temperature fuses 32 are alternately arranged, when the cover 4 fixed to the housing 2 (see FIG. 1) is opened during maintenance, all of them are opened. The work of removing the cover is better than when the fuse is in contact with the heat sink 7. Thereby, damage to the heat sink 7 or the fuse can be minimized when the cover is removed.
(Modification)
In addition, this invention can also be changed and embodied as follows.

  In each of the above embodiments, as the plurality of electronic components, other electronic components such as relays, ICs, and semiconductor relays are used instead of the fuses, and the tips of the plurality of electronic components are brought into contact with the heat sink 7. The present invention can also be applied to an electrical junction box. In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of fuses are arranged as the same type of electronic components, and the tips of these fuses are brought into contact with the heat sink 7, but a plurality of different types of electronic components are arranged in order The present invention can also be applied to an electrical junction box having a configuration in which each tip is brought into contact with the heat sink 7. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an electrical junction box in which tip portions of a plurality of fuses and tip portions of a plurality of relays are respectively brought into contact with a heat sink.

In the first embodiment, when the cover 4 is put on the housing 2, the locking pieces 8, 8 of the cover 4 are elastically deformed so that the engaging holes of the locking pieces 8, 8 are the locking claws 6 of the housing 2. , 6, the cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2. The present invention is also applied to an electrical junction box in which the cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2 by other fixing means, for example, bolts and nuts.

-In the said 3rd Embodiment, although the several convex part 7a formed in the heat sink 7 is each processed into the trapezoid, the shape of the convex part 7a was processed into shapes other than a trapezoid, for example, shapes, such as a rectangle Even in this case, the present invention is applicable. In addition, the present invention has a heat radiating plate 7 fixed to the inner surface of the cover, and in a state where the cover is put on the fixing member, the heat radiating plate is in contact with the tips of the plurality of electronic components. The present invention can be widely applied to an electric junction box in which components are arranged on a fixing member.

The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a part of electrical junction box which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the whole electric junction box in the state where the cover is open. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a part of electrical junction box in the state where the cover is open. Explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic structure of the electrical junction box which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic structure of the electrical junction box which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic structure of the electrical junction box which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the conventional electrical junction box. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electrical-connection box shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: electrical junction box, 2: housing, 3: fuse, 3a: tip, 4: cover, 7: heat sink, 7a: convex, 31: high temperature fuse, 31a: tip 32: low temperature fuse, 32a: tip.

Claims (6)

In an electrical junction box having a fixing member, a plurality of electronic components that generate heat fixed to the fixing member, and a cover that covers the fixing member and protects the plurality of electronic components,
A heat sink fixed to the inner surface of the cover;
The plurality of electronic components are arranged on the fixing member so that the heat sink comes into contact with the front end portions of the plurality of electronic components in a state where the cover is placed on the fixing member. Connection box. The plurality of electronic components are pressed against the heat radiating plate so that the front ends of the plurality of electronic components are embedded in the heat radiating plate in a state where the cover is fixed on the fixing member. The electrical junction box according to claim 1. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of convex portions are formed on the heat radiating plate, and tip portions of the plurality of electronic components are in contact with the plurality of convex portions, respectively. The electrical connection box according to claim 3, wherein an area of the plurality of convex portions of the heat radiating plate respectively contacting the tip portions of the plurality of electronic components is smaller than an area of each tip portion of the electronic components. Each of the plurality of electronic components is a fuse, and a tip of a high-temperature fuse having a high heat generation temperature is in contact with the heat radiating plate, and a tip of a low-temperature fuse having a low heat generation temperature is the heat dissipation. The electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fuses are arranged on the fixing member so as to be separated from the plate. 6. The electrical junction box according to claim 5, wherein the high-temperature fuse and the low-temperature fuse are alternately arranged.