JP3433451B2 - Structure to prevent heat build-up in electrical junction box - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure for preventing heat buildup in an electric connection box for cooling an electric heating component arranged in the electric connection box.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since a large number of electric heating components (for example, relays and fuses) are arranged in an electric junction box mounted on a vehicle, the temperature inside the electric junction box rises due to the heat generated by the electric heating components. However, there is a risk that this may damage other auxiliary equipment. Therefore, an electric junction box 80 as shown in FIG. 7 has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-214017).

The electric junction box 80 has a large number of electric heating components 82 in a junction box body 81, and an upper cover 84 having a thermoelectric cooling element 83 and a lower cover 85 are assembled in the junction box body 81, respectively. It is the attached structure. As a result, the temperature raised in the electric junction box 80 can be lowered by the thermoelectric cooling element 83.

However, since the thermoelectric cooling element 83 is attached to the upper cover 84 by pressure bonding or insert molding,
The upper cover 84 has drawbacks such as poor waterproofness (decrease) and high manufacturing cost (increasing). Therefore, there is a possibility that the waterproofness of the entire electric junction box 80 may be lowered and the manufacturing cost may be increased. Further, the thermoelectric cooling element 83 is attached to the upper cover 8
It was difficult to cool the whole inside of the electric junction box 80 because it was provided in No. 4.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above points, the present invention improves the waterproofness of the entire electric junction box, suppresses the manufacturing cost, and locally raises the temperature and heat of the electric junction box. Prevent the temperature from becoming constant and
An object of the present invention is to provide a structure for preventing heat buildup in an electric connection box that can reliably cool the entire electric connection box.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a large number of electric heating components in a junction box body, and a box-shaped upper cover and a lower cover are assembled to the junction box body. And at least one thermoelectric cooling in the vicinity of the electric heating component
Heat that is dissipated from the electric heating component when the element is placed and the power is turned on.
Heat in the electrical junction box that absorbs heat by the thermoelectric cooling element
In the structure for preventing fog, the upper cover and / or the lower cover
From the inner wall surface of the bar toward the electric heating component,
An element holder for mounting the cooling element is formed protrudingly,
In the state where the thermoelectric cooling element has a space between the thermoelectric cooling element and the inner wall surface.
It is held by the element holder (claim 1). For absorbing heat from the electric heating component, it toward the absorbing surface of the thermoelectric cooling element to the electric heating component side
The constitution (claim 2). Toward the inner wall surface or <br/> et the electric heat-generating component of the junction box body, characterized in that by extending the element holder for mounting the thermoelectric cooling device (claim 3). A plurality of the thermoelectric cooling elements are arranged in parallel
(Claim 4). It is also possible that the upper cover or the lower cover is formed integrally with the main body of the connection box (Claim 5 ).

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 6 show an embodiment of a structure for preventing heat buildup in an electric junction box according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the case where a relay is used as an electric heating component will be described, but the same applies to other cases (for example, fuses). As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling structure of the electric junction box 1 includes a junction box body 2 having a large number of relays 5 therein, an upper cover 3 and a lower cover 4 assembled to the junction box body 2, and a relay 5. And at least one Peltier element 6 (corresponding to the thermoelectric cooling element in the claims) disposed in the vicinity of.

The junction box body 2 has a peripheral wall 10 having a rectangular cross section.
A relay block 11 provided on the inner surface 10a of the peripheral wall 10, a relay mounting portion 12 formed on the relay block 11, and an engaging portion 13 arranged on the outer surface 10b of the peripheral wall 10.
It consists of and. The relay block 11 is divided into five relay mounting portions 12. The relays 5 are mounted in the relay mounting portions 12 from above and the mating terminals 14 are inserted from below. Relay 5 in relay mounting part 12
The relay terminal 15 and the counterpart terminal 14 are electrically connected to each other. The counterpart terminal 14 is locked in the relay mounting portion 12 by a locking means (not shown). The electric wires 16 crimped to the respective mating terminals 14 are bundled (focused) together with a tape 17 and drawn out through an insertion hole (or cutout) 18 formed in the peripheral wall 10.

The upper cover 3 includes a box-shaped cover body 20 and
Engagement portion 20 provided on the outer surface 20a of the cover body 20
c and an element holder 22 that is hung from the inner surface 20b of the cover body 20. Engaging portion 13 of connection box body 2
The engaged portion 20c of the upper cover 3 is engaged with, for example, a lock mechanism. The lower cover 4 includes a box-shaped cover body 25, an inner flange 26 provided around the free end edge of the cover body 25, and an element holder 27 provided upright from the inner surface 25 a of the cover body 25. The inner flange 26 is fitted into the lower portion 10c of the peripheral wall 10 of the junction box body 2. It is also possible to engage the lower cover 4 and the connection box body 2 with a lock mechanism. Also, the upper cover 3 or the lower cover 4
It is also possible to integrally form the connection box body 2 and the connection box body 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the element holder 2 of the upper cover 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a pair of holder arms 30 and 30 that are connected downward from the inner surface 20b of the upper cover 3 (toward the relay 5 side), and a pair of facing arms provided on the side surfaces 30a of the pair of holder arms 30 and 30. It is composed of locking protrusions 31, 31. A tapered surface 31a is formed on the relay 5 side of each of the pair of locking projections 31, 31, and a side surface 30a is formed on the opposite side of the relay 5 side.
A stopper surface 31b orthogonal to the is provided.

The tapered surface 31a facilitates insertion of the Peltier element 6 into the element holder 22, and the stopper surface 31b.
Prevents the Peltier element 6 inserted in the element holder 22 from coming off. It is preferable that the pair of holder arms 30 and 30 have flexibility (elasticity). This is because when the Peltier element 6 is inserted into the element holder 22, the pair of holder arms 30, 30 are once bent in opposite directions, the holder arm 30 is restored after insertion, and the Peltier element 6 is locked to the stopper surface 31b. Because you can.

Further, a conductor plate (or electric wire) 33 is insert-molded on the pair of holder arms 30, 30 and the upper cover 3, and the metal (conductor) surface 33a of the conductor plate 33 is exposed on the stopper surface 31b. ing. An electric wire (or conductor plate) 34 (see FIG. 1) for supplying external power to the conductor plate 33 extends from the outer surface 20a of the cover body 20. As a result, after the insertion, the Peltier element 6 and the conductor plate 33 are automatically electrically connected (to the external power source).

The element holder 27 connected to the lower cover 4 is similar to the above. That is, the element holder 27 includes a pair of holder arms 35, 35 provided upright from the inner surface 25 a of the cover body 25, a locking projection 36 provided to face each holder arm 35, and a holder arm 35. The conductor plate 37 is insert-molded. A pair of locking protrusions 3
A tapered surface 36a is formed on the relay 5 side (relay block 11 side) of 6, 6 and a stopper surface 36b is formed on the opposite side.

The Peltier element (thermo module) 6 is
A rectangular semiconductor element 40 (for example, a pair of P-type and N-type) is provided with metal plates 41, 42 having high heat conductivity (good) on one side 40a and the other side 40b. . By passing a direct current, heat is transferred from one metal plate 41 to the other metal plate 42. As a result, the one metal plate 41 is cooled and the heat absorbing surface (or cooling surface) 41a,
The other metal plate 42 is heated to generate heat (or heating surface) 4
2a. If the polarity of the external power source is reversed, the heat transfer direction is reversed and the heat absorption surface 41a and the heat generation surface 42a are reversed. Therefore, the Peltier device 6 becomes an electronic device suitable for temperature control.

Element holder 2 of upper cover 3 and lower cover 4
The Peltier element 6 held by 2, 2 has a heat absorbing surface 4
1a is arranged so as to face the relay 5 side, and the heat generating surface 42a faces the opposite side (the side away from the relay 5). In this way, since the Peltier element 6 is arranged in the electric junction box 1, the waterproofness of the electric junction box 1 is improved as compared with the conventional case. Further, since it is not necessary to integrally mold (insert molding) or crimp the Peltier element 6 to the junction box body 2, the upper cover 3 or / and the lower cover 4, the manufacturing cost of the electric junction box 1 itself can be reduced.

Next, the temperature risen in the electric junction box 1 is
The process (action) of lowering by the Peltier device 6 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the Peltier element 6 is energized, the relay 5 side of the pair of metal plates 41, 42 becomes the heat absorbing surface 41a, and the side opposite to the relay 5 side becomes the heat generating surface 4a.
The Peltier element 6 is set in advance so as to be 2a.

When the relay 5 in the electrical junction box 1 is energized (current is applied), the relay 5 and the electrically connecting portion between the relay terminal 15 and the counterpart terminal 14 (hereinafter referred to as the heating element S) generate heat. Then, the heats T1 and T2 are radiated (dissipated) radially (spherically). Since the temperature of the place far from the relay 5 is lower than the temperature near the relay 5, the heat T1, T2 moves (flows or propagates) in the direction away from the relay 5 (relay block 11).

In addition, the relay block 1 is provided inside the electrical junction box 1.
It is divided by 1 into an upper half space U and a lower half space L. The heat T1 from the upper part of the heat body S moves toward the upper cover 3, and the heat absorbing surface 41a of the Peltier element 6 of the upper cover 3
Absorbed by. Therefore, in the upper half space U of the electric junction box 1, the heat T1 from the heat body S is prevented from staying (stagnation, retention). Similarly, the heat T2 from the lower part of the heat body S moves toward the lower cover 4, and the Peltier element 6 of the lower cover 4 moves.
Is absorbed by the heat absorption surface 41a of the. Therefore, electrical junction box 1
In the lower half space L of the inside, the heat T2 from the heat body S is prevented from being withdrawn.

As a result, the heat T radiated from the heating element S
1, 1 and 2 move in the direction of the Peltier element 6, and the heat T1 and T2 do not stay in the upper and lower parts of the heating element S. That is, the increased temperature in the electrical junction box 1 can be lowered and maintained at a substantially constant temperature, and the heat body S, that is, the auxiliary equipment (not shown) arranged around the relay 5 including the relay 5 itself is damaged or deteriorated. Can be prevented.
Further, since the electric connection box 1 is required to be waterproof and airtight, it is particularly effective when air does not flow in and out of the electric connection box 1.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, if there is an appropriate space (not shown) between the peripheral wall 10 and the relay block 11, the element holder 45 is provided on the peripheral wall 10 and the element holder 4 is provided.
It is also possible to attach the Peltier element 6 to the device 5. As a result, in addition to the above, the Peltier element 6 may be arranged at a location other than the above. And the lower cover 4 and the peripheral wall 10 (corresponding to FIG. 6). And
The last arrangement example in which the Peltier elements 6 are arranged in three directions in the electric junction box 1 with respect to the relay 5 and the like is most effective.

The present embodiment shows one means for preventing heat from being accumulated in the upper part, the lower part and the surroundings of the relay 5, etc., and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0022]

As described above , according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one thermoelectric cooling element is arranged in the vicinity of the electric heating component that dissipates heat when energized. for that reason,
Since the heat from the electric heating component is directly absorbed by the thermoelectric cooling element, it is possible to reliably prevent the heat from staying in the electric junction box. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage or deterioration of the electric heat-generating component itself and, for example, the auxiliary machinery arranged around the electric heat-generating component. Especially, the element holder is
Since it is formed so as to project from each inner surface to the electric heating component side,
Thermoelectric cooling element indirectly attached to the upper and lower covers
To be Therefore, compared to the conventional method, the entire electrical junction box is protected.
Aqueous property can be improved. In addition, the thermoelectric cooling element in the element holder
As it is mounted, thermoelectric cooling element is crimped or insert molded
Compared with the conventional one, the manufacturing cost of the electrical junction box can be reduced,
And the manufacturing process can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 2, the thermoelectric cooling element
Since the heat absorption surface of the child is facing the electric heating component side,
The heat from the heat generating component is absorbed by the heat absorbing surface. this
Causes the heat of the electrical heating components to radiate into the electrical junction box.
(Full) can be prevented.

[0024]

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the element holder is extended from the inner surface of the junction box body to the electric heating component side with the upper cover or the lower cover, the thermoelectric cooling element has the upper cover or the lower cover. It is indirectly attached to the cover and the junction box body. Therefore, the waterproofness of the entire electrical junction box can be improved, the manufacturing cost of the electrical junction box can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be reduced.

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, if the junction box body and the upper cover or the lower cover are integrally formed, the assembly work of the electrical junction box can be simplified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a structure for preventing heat buildup in an electric junction box according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the Peltier elements located above and below in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a heat transfer direction in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which Peltier elements are arranged on an upper cover and a connection box body.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which Peltier elements are arranged on a lower cover and a connection box body.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which Peltier elements are arranged on an upper cover, a lower cover and a connection box body.

FIG. 7 shows a conventional example, (a) is an exploded perspective view,
(B) is sectional drawing of the XX line of (a).

[Explanation of symbols]

1 electrical junction box 2 Connection box body 3 Top cover 4 Lower cover 5 relays (electric heating components) 6 Peltier element (thermoelectric cooling element) 22, 27, 45 element holder 41a Endothermic surface

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Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A large number of electric heating components are provided in a junction box body, and a box-shaped upper cover and a lower cover are assembled to the junction box body, and at least one thermoelectric cooling is provided in the vicinity of the electric heating components.
Heat that is dissipated from the electric heating component when the element is placed and the power is turned on.
Heat in the electrical junction box that absorbs heat by the thermoelectric cooling element
In the cloudy weather prevention structure, the electric
For mounting the thermoelectric cooling element toward the heat generating component
The element holder is formed to project, and the thermoelectric cooling element is attached to the inner wall surface.
A structure for preventing heat buildup in an electrical junction box, characterized in that the device holder is held by a space between the element holder and the element holder . 2. The heat retaining member in the electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein the heat absorbing surface of the thermoelectric cooling element is directed toward the electric heating component side in order to absorb heat from the electric heating component. Prevention structure. 3. A toward the inner wall surface of the connection box body to said electrical heating component, electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it has extended the element holder for mounting the thermoelectric cooling element Internal warmth prevention structure. 4. A plurality of the thermoelectric cooling elements are arranged in parallel.
The structure for preventing heat buildup in an electric junction box according to claim 1, wherein the structure is provided. 5. The junction box is the upper cover or the lower cover.
It is formed integrally with the main body.
The structure for preventing heat buildup in the electrical junction box according to any one of 1 to 4 .