JP7317689B2 - Electrical junction box, wire harness, and electrical junction box manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric junction box, a wire harness, and an electric junction box manufacturing method.

As a technique related to a conventional electrical junction box applied to vehicles, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of connecting a plurality of terminals inserted through positioning holes of an aligning plate to a through hole of the circuit board. A mounted board mounted connector is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-54801

By the way, the electric connection box to which the connector as described above is applied has room for further improvement, for example, in terms of improving manufacturing efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric junction box, a wire harness, and an electric junction box manufacturing method that can improve manufacturing efficiency.

In order to achieve the above object, an electrical connection box according to the present invention includes a substrate constituting an electronic circuit, a plurality of conductive terminals electrically connected to the substrate, and the plurality of terminals. The connector housing includes a connector housing held along a first direction intersecting with the substrate, the substrate connector mounted on the substrate, and a connector cover mounted on the connector housing and covering the substrate, wherein the connector housing is configured to cover the substrate. a connector fitting portion into which a mating connector electrically connected to the terminal can be fitted along the first direction; A first abutting rib that protrudes to the side and is abutted against the end of the connector cover, and a second abutment rib that is integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and protrudes to the other side in the second direction and is abutted against the end of the connector cover. It has an abutment rib, and the substrate is formed in a size that fits within the outline of the connector fitting portion when viewed along the first direction. The abutment ribs are characterized in that their positions along the first direction are mutually different.

Further, in the electric junction box, when a plurality of the connector housings are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction, the first abutment rib of one adjacent connector housing and the other connector housing adjacent to each other. and the second abutment ribs of the above may overlap along the first direction.

In order to achieve the above object, a wire harness according to the present invention includes a conductive wiring member and an electric junction box electrically connected to the wiring member, wherein the electric junction box is an electronic a substrate forming a circuit, a plurality of conductive terminals electrically connected to the substrate, and a connector housing holding the plurality of terminals along a first direction intersecting with the substrate, A board connector mounted on the board, and a connector cover attached to the connector housing and covering the board, wherein the connector housing has a mating connector electrically connected to the terminals extending along the first direction. a connector fitting portion that can be fitted, a first abutment rib formed integrally with the connector fitting portion and protruding to one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction and against which an end of the connector cover abuts; and a second abutting rib that is formed integrally with the connector fitting portion and protrudes in the other side in the second direction to be abutted against the end of the connector cover, and the board extends along the first direction. When viewed, the first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are formed in a size that falls within the range of the outline of the connector fitting portion, and the positions of the first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are different from each other along the first direction. It is characterized by

In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing an electric junction box according to the present invention includes: a plurality of conductive terminals electrically connected to the substrate on a substrate constituting an electronic circuit; along a first direction intersecting with the substrate, and an installation step of installing a substrate connector mounted on the substrate, wherein the connector housing is electrically connected to the terminals a connector fitting portion into which a mating connector can be fitted along the first direction; and a second abutment rib integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and protruding in the other side in the second direction, and the substrate, when viewed along the first direction, is the connector The first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are formed to have a size that falls within the range of the outline of the fitting portion, and the positions along the first direction are different from each other. , the connector housings are respectively positioned on the plurality of the substrates arranged along the second direction, and are adjacent to the first abutment ribs of one of the connector housings adjacent to each other along the second direction. The substrate connector is installed in a positional relationship in which the second abutting rib of the other connector housing overlaps along the first direction.

The electrical junction box, the wire harness, and the method for manufacturing the electrical junction box according to the present invention are configured as described above, and thus have the effect of improving the manufacturing efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an electric connection box according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded side view showing a schematic configuration of the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a board-side surface of the connector housing of the electrical connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the method of manufacturing the electrical connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the method of manufacturing the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view explaining a method for manufacturing the electric connection box according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial side view explaining the manufacturing method of the electrical connection box according to the embodiment.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, embodiment which concerns on this invention is described in detail based on drawing. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, components in the following embodiments include components that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or components that are substantially the same.

FIG. 1, which will be described below, illustrates a mating connector, FIG. 5 illustrates a part of the mating connector by omitting it with a chain double-dashed line, and other drawings omit the mating connector itself. Moreover, FIG. 1 omits and illustrates a part of wiring material with a two-dot chain line, and in other figures, illustration of the wiring material itself is abbreviate|omitted. In addition, FIG. 7 omits the substrate and the electronic components with a chain double-dashed line. Also, in the following description, the three directions that intersect with each other are referred to as "first direction X," "second direction Y," and "third direction Z," respectively. The first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are typically orthogonal to each other. The first direction X typically corresponds to the extending direction of the terminals, the thickness direction of the substrate, the normal direction, the facing direction of the substrate and the connector housing, and the like. The second direction Y typically corresponds to the projecting direction of the abutting rib or the like. The third direction Z typically corresponds to, for example, the direction in which the plurality of fitting spaces are arranged. In addition, each direction used in the following description indicates the direction when each part is assembled with each other, unless otherwise specified.

[Embodiment]
An electrical connection box 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile, and incorporated into a wire harness WH. The wire harness WH is, for example, a bundle of a plurality of wiring materials W used for power supply and signal communication for connection between devices mounted on a vehicle. The material W is connected to each device. The wire harness WH includes an electrically conductive wiring material W and an electric connection box 1 electrically connected to the wiring material W. As shown in FIG. The wire harness WH may further include grommets, protectors, fixtures, electric connection boxes, and the like.

The wiring material W is, for example, an electric wire in which the outer side of a conductor (core wire) made of a plurality of conductive metal wires is covered with an insulating coating, a wire bundle in which the wires are bundled, or a conductive rod-shaped member. It is composed of a metal rod or the like whose outside is covered with an insulating coating. The wire harness WH bundles and aggregates a plurality of wiring materials W, and is electrically connected to the electrical connection box 1 via a mating connector C or the like provided at the ends of the bundled wiring materials W.

The electrical connection box 1 is an electronic component unit installed in, for example, an engine room or a vehicle interior of a vehicle and realizing various functions. The electrical connection box 1 is connected between a power source such as a battery and various electronic devices mounted in the vehicle via wiring members W and the like. The electric connection box 1 distributes electric power supplied from a power supply to various electronic devices in the vehicle.

In the electrical connection box 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. By staggering each other, the manufacturing efficiency is improved. Hereinafter, the configuration of the electric connection box 1 will be described in detail with reference to each drawing.

Specifically, the electrical connection box 1 of this embodiment includes a substrate 2, a substrate connector 3, and a connector cover 4, as shown in FIGS. The electrical connection box 1 is unitized by housing these components in a housing and assembling them.

The substrate 2 constitutes an electronic circuit. A wiring member W is electrically connected to the board 2 via a board connector 3 . Here, the board 2 is constituted by, for example, a so-called printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate 2 is formed by printing a wiring pattern (print pattern) with a conductive material such as copper on an insulating layer made of an insulating material such as epoxy resin, glass epoxy resin, paper epoxy resin, or ceramic. A circuit body is configured by the pattern. The substrate 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape whose thickness direction is the first direction X, and extends along the second direction Y and the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. Here, the second direction Y of the substrate 2 is the short side direction, and the third direction Z is the long side direction.

The substrate 2 constitutes an electronic circuit that electrically connects the electronic components 22 mounted on the mounting surface 21 together with the substrate connector 3 . The mounting surface 21 is configured by a main surface on one side in the first direction X (a surface facing the board connector 3 along the first direction X). The electronic component 22 is an element that performs various functions. The electronic component 22 is, for example, a resistor, a diode, or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be a capacitor, transistor, fuse, relay, IPS (Intelligent Power Switch), or the like.

The electronic component 22 and the board connector 3 are mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the board 2 by electrically connecting the lead wires 22a of the electronic component 22 and the terminals 31 of the board connector 3 to the circuit body by soldering or the like. . Here, the substrate 2 has a plurality of through holes 23 to which the lead wires 22a of the electronic components 22 and the terminals 31 of the substrate connector 3 are electrically connected. Each through hole 23 is formed through the substrate 2 along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The circuit body of the substrate 2 electrically connects the lead wires 22a of the electronic components 22 and the terminals 31 of the substrate connector 3 through the through holes 23, etc., and constitutes a circuit system according to the required functions. The electronic component 22 is not limited to being mounted via the lead wires 22a and the through holes 23. For example, the electronic component 22 may be a so-called surface-mounted chip-type device that does not use the lead wires 22a, the through holes 23, or the like.

The board connector 3 is mounted on the mounting surface 21 of the board 2 and constitutes a PCB connector (board-mounted connector) electrically connected to the board 2 . The board connector 3 constitutes a connection mechanism for wiring material-to-board connection that electrically connects the mating connector C provided at the end of the wiring material W and the board 2 . The board connector 3 is mounted on the board 2 and is fitted with a mating connector C to form an electrical connection between the board connector 3 and the wiring material W and the board. 2 can be conductively connected.

Specifically, the board connector 3 includes a plurality of terminals 31 and a connector housing 32, as shown in FIGS. The board connector 3 of this embodiment constitutes a vertical connector in which the connector housing 32 holds the terminals 31 along the normal direction (first direction X) of the mounting surface 21 of the board 2 .

The plurality of terminals 31 are electrically connected to the substrate 2 respectively. The terminal 31 electrically connects the substrate 2 and the mating connector C. As shown in FIG. The terminal 31 is entirely made of a conductive metal material or the like, and the surface thereof is plated with conductive plating or the like. The terminal 31 is configured by, for example, a rod-shaped and straight rectangular wire.

The connector housing 32 accommodates and holds a plurality of terminals 31 and is capable of being fitted with a mating connector C. As shown in FIG. The connector housing 32 of this embodiment holds a plurality of terminals 31 along a first direction (normal direction) X perpendicular to the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 . That is, the plurality of terminals 31 of the present embodiment linearly extend along the first direction X while being held by the connector housing 32 .

Specifically, the connector housing 32 includes a connector fitting portion 32a, a terminal holding portion 32b, a connector locking portion 32c, a contact support portion 32d, a cover matching wall portion 32e, a first abutting rib 32f, and a second It has an abutting rib 32g. The connector housing 32 is integrally formed of an insulating resin material.

The connector fitting portion 32a is a portion into which a mating connector C electrically connected to the terminal 31 can be fitted along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The connector fitting portion 32a is formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape whose axial direction is along the first direction X, and one end in the first direction X (the end opposite to the substrate 2 side) is open. Here, the second direction Y of the connector fitting portion 32a is the short side direction, and the third direction Z is the long side direction.

The inner space of the connector fitting portion 32a is partitioned into a plurality of fitting spaces 32i by partition walls 32h. The partition wall 32h is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape whose plate thickness direction is the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. The partition wall 32h extends along both inner wall surfaces of the connector fitting portion 32a along the second direction Y, and extends along the first direction X from an opening of the connector fitting portion 32a to a terminal holding portion 32b, which will be described later. extends up to A plurality of partition walls 32h are provided at intervals along the third direction Z, and partition the space inside the connector fitting portion 32a into a plurality of space portions.

Here, the connector fitting portion 32a has an internal space partitioned into seven fitting spaces 32i by six partition walls 32h. The seven fitting space portions 32i are provided side by side along the third direction Z so as to be adjacent to each other. The fitting space 32i is a space into which the mating connector C can be fitted, and is defined by an inner wall surface of the connector fitting portion 32a, a partition wall 32h, and a terminal holding portion 32b, which will be described later. A total of seven mating connectors C, one for each of the plurality of fitting spaces 32i, can be fitted to the connector fitting portion 32a.

Although the fitting spaces 32i and the mating connectors C are slightly different in shape, size, etc., they have substantially the same basic configuration. .

The terminal holding portion 32b is a portion that exposes and holds a plurality of terminals 31 in each fitting space portion 32i in the connector fitting portion 32a. The terminal holding portion 32b is formed as a partition that closes the other end of the connector fitting portion 32a in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The terminal holding portion 32b is positioned facing the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 with a gap in the first direction X. As shown in FIG.

A plurality of cavities (holding through-holes) 32k are formed in a rectangular projecting portion 32j of the terminal holding portion 32b. The rectangular protruding portions 32j are portions formed in the terminal holding portion 32b so as to protrude in a substantially rectangular shape toward the substrate 2 along the first direction X. A total of seven are provided (see also FIG. 7, etc.). Each cavity 32k is formed through each rectangular projecting portion 32j of the terminal holding portion 32b along the first direction X, and holds the terminal 31 along the first direction X, respectively. In the terminal holding portion 32b of the present embodiment, a plurality of cavities 32k are arranged in a grid pattern along the second direction Y and the third direction Z in the rectangular projecting portion 32j. Hold 31.

The terminal holding portion 32b holds each terminal 31 in each cavity 32k by, for example, pressing each terminal 31 into each cavity 32k. Further, the terminal holding portion 32b may hold each terminal 31 in each cavity 32k by insert-molding each terminal 31 into the terminal holding portion 32b.

Each terminal 31 is positioned along the normal direction (first direction X) of the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 while being held in each cavity 32k of the terminal holding portion 32b. They are positioned so as to be inserted through the through holes 23 one by one (see FIG. 5 in particular). Each terminal 31 is electrically connected to the circuit body of the substrate 2 by soldering or the like at the end portion inserted through each through hole 23 . As a result, each terminal 31 and the substrate 2 are electrically connected to each other in the substrate connector 3 .

Each terminal 31 is held in each cavity 32k of the terminal holding portion 32b, and the end opposite to the substrate 2 side is exposed to each fitting space 32i in the connector fitting portion 32a. (see in particular FIG. 5). That is, a part of each terminal 31 held in each cavity 32k is exposed in the fitting space 32i. A mating connector (female connector) C is fitted into each fitting space 32i of the substrate connector 3, so that each terminal 31 held by the terminal holding part 32b and exposed to each fitting space 32i and the mating connector are connected. C is electrically connected (see also FIG. 1, etc.). As a result, the board connector 3 electrically connects the board 2 and the wiring member W via the mating connector C and each terminal 31 .

The connector locking portion 32c is a portion for locking the mating connector C fitted in the fitting space portion 32i of the connector fitting portion 32a as described above (especially see FIGS. 4, 5, etc.). A total of seven connector locking portions 32c are provided, one for each fitting space portion 32i of the connector fitting portion 32a. The connector locking portion 32c is formed on an inner wall surface located on one side in the second direction Y among the inner wall surfaces forming the fitting space portion 32i in the connector fitting portion 32a. The connector locking portion 32c is formed at the tip of the inner wall surface on the opening side in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The connector locking portion 32c is formed in a claw shape so as to protrude in the second direction Y from the inner wall surface.

The connector lock portion 32c is formed in the lock arm portion Ca of the mating connector C in a state where the mating connector C is fitted in the fitting space portion 32i of the connector fitting portion 32a. 1) is locked (see in particular FIG. 5). As a result, the connector locking portion 32c brings the mating connector C fitted in the fitting space portion 32i to a normal position (a position where the mating connector C and the terminals 31 are properly connected) in the fitting space portion 32i. can be locked.

The abutment support portion 32d is a portion that supports the connector housing 32 on the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 (especially see FIGS. 2, 6, etc.). The abutment support portion 32d is formed as a wall projecting toward the substrate 2 along the first direction X from the terminal holding portion 32b side end of the connector fitting portion 32a. The contact support portion 32d extends along the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. Here, a total of three contact support portions 32d are provided, one each at the central portion in the third direction Z and at both end portions in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. Each contact support portion 32d supports the connector housing 32 on the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 by contacting the mounting surface 21 of the substrate 2 at the tip portion on the side of the substrate 2 in the first direction X, and also supports the terminal holding portion 32b. A space for mounting an electronic component 22 or the like is formed between the mounting surface 21 and the mounting surface 21 .

In addition, the contact support portion 32d has two cover locking portions 32l for locking the connector cover 4, which will be described later, at the two end portions in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. The cover engaging portions 32l are formed in a claw shape so as to protrude in the third direction Z from the outer wall surface of the contact support portions 32d located at both end portions in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG.

The cover mating wall portion 32e extends from the connector fitting portion 32a toward the substrate 2 along the first direction X, and is a portion where a connector cover 4, which will be described later, is attached and overlaps (especially FIGS. 2, 5, and 7). etc.). The cover mating wall portions 32e are provided on the substrate 2 side along the first direction X from both surfaces in the second direction Y of the connector fitting portion 32a. The cover matching wall portions 32e are provided as a pair along the second direction Y so as to face each other. Each cover matching wall portion 32e is formed in a plate shape with the second direction Y being the plate thickness direction, and extends along the third direction Z across the plurality of contact support portions 32d. Each cover matching wall portion 32e is formed with a substantially trapezoidal notch portion 32m for exposing the ends of the terminals 31 and the like. The notch portion 32m penetrates the cover matching wall portion 32e along the second direction Y and extends across the adjacent contact support portion 32d.

The first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g are portions that are integrally formed with the connector fitting portion 32a and the like and protrude along the second direction Y, respectively. The first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g are provided as a pair on both sides of the connector housing 32 in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. The first abutment rib 32f protrudes along one side in the second direction Y, and the second abutment rib 32g protrudes along the other side in the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. Here, the first abutting rib 32f protrudes in one side in the second direction Y from the end of the connector fitting portion 32a on the board 2 side on one side in the second direction Y of the connector housing 32, It is formed to extend in a flange shape along the third direction Z. The second abutting rib 32g protrudes from the cover mating wall portion 32e to the other side in the second direction Y on the surface of the connector housing 32 on the other side in the second direction Y, and is shaped like a flange along the third direction Z. It is formed to extend. The ends of the connector cover 4 attached to the connector housing 32 are abutted against the first abutting rib 32f and the second abutting rib 32g.

The first abutting rib 32f and the second abutting rib 32g of the present embodiment are different in position along the first direction X (especially see FIGS. 3 and 5). Here, the first abutment rib 32f is formed at a position spaced apart from the substrate 2 in the first direction X than the second abutment rib 32g. In other words, the second abutment rib 32g is formed at a position closer to the substrate 2 in the first direction X than the first abutment rib 32f.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the substrate 2 described above typically has the substrate connector 3 mounted on the mounting surface 21, and is viewed along the first direction X. The size is formed within the range of the outline L1 (especially see FIG. 7) of the connector fitting portion 32a of the connector housing 32 configured as described above. The outline L1 corresponds to the boundary line of the projected area of the connector fitting portion 32a when the connector fitting portion 32a is projected along the first direction X onto a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g of the present embodiment described above are formed to protrude to both sides along the second direction Y from the outline line L1.

The connector cover 4 is a cover member that is attached to the connector housing 32 and covers and protects the substrate 2, as shown in FIGS. The connector cover 4 is made of an insulating resin material. The connector cover 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape with a hollow interior and an open surface on one side in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. The connector cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 32 along the first direction X in such a positional relationship as to house the board 2 inside from the opening side. That is, the connector cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 32 along the first direction X in such a positional relationship that the substrate 2 is sandwiched between the connector housing 32 and accommodated therein.

When the connector cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 32, wall portions facing each other along the second direction Y (wall portions along the third direction Z) are arranged outside the pair of cover matching wall portions 32e. It is located and overlaps with the cover matching wall portion 32e (see FIG. 5 in particular). The tips 4a and 4b of both wall portions of the connector cover 4 are abutted against the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g, respectively.

The tip 4a and the tip 4b are different in position along the first direction X according to the difference in position along the first direction X between the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g ( In particular, see FIGS. 3, 5, etc.). Here, the tip 4a of the wall portion on one side in the second direction Y is positioned to protrude toward the connector housing 32 with respect to the first direction X than the tip 4b. In other words, the tip 4b of the wall on the other side in the second direction Y is located farther from the connector housing 32 in the first direction X than the tip 4a. When the connector cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 32, the tip 4a abuts against the first abutting rib 32f and the tip 4b abuts against the second abutting rib 32g.

As described above, the connector cover 4 is formed on wall portions facing each other along the third direction Z (wall portions along the second direction Y) when attached to the connector housing 32. The connector housing 32 is locked by locking the locking hole portion 4c to each cover locking portion 32l. When the connector cover 4 is attached to the connector housing 32 as described above, the connector cover 4 covers the cover matching wall portion 32e together with the substrate 2, closes the notch portion 32m, and covers the electronic components 22 and terminals on the substrate 2 together with the substrate 2. Protect 31.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, a method of manufacturing the electrical connection box 1 configured as described above (electrical connection box manufacturing method) will be described. In the following explanation, explanation will be made based on the flowchart of FIG. 8, and other drawings will be referred to as appropriate. The method for manufacturing the electrical connection box 1 described below is described as manually performed by workers using various devices, equipment, jigs, etc. However, the method is not limited to this, and can be performed by various manufacturing devices, for example. It may be executed automatically.

First, as a terminal holding step, an operator provides the terminal 31 to the terminal holding portion 32b of the connector housing 32 (step ST1, see FIG. 5, etc.). The worker holds the terminal 31 in the terminal holding portion 32b by inserting (pressing) one end portion of the terminal 31 into the cavity 32k formed in the terminal holding portion 32b, for example. Moreover, as described above, the terminals 31 may be held by the terminal holding portions 32b by being insert-molded into the respective cavities 32k of the terminal holding portions 32b.

Next, as an installation step, the worker installs the board connector 3 on the board 2 (step ST2, see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, etc.). The board connector 3 is installed on the board 2 with the terminals 31 and the connector housing 32 assembled together as described above. In the installation process, the worker installs the board connector 3 on the board 2 by inserting each terminal 31 into each through hole 23 provided in the board 2 .

Here, in the manufacturing method of the electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment, the steps from the installation step (step ST2) to the cutting step (step ST4) are a set of substrates in which a plurality of substrates 2 are integrated as shown in FIG. Performed on body 100 .

The substrate assembly 100 is configured by arranging a plurality of substrates 2 along the second direction Y and the third direction Z and integrating them. In the substrate assembly 100, 16 substrates 2 are arranged along the second direction Y and two substrates 2 are arranged along the third direction Z, so that a total of 32 substrates 2 are integrated. The 32 substrates 2 are integrated by carriers (connecting portions) 101 , 102 , 103 to form a substrate assembly 100 . Carriers 101 , 102 , and 103 extend in the second direction Y in a bar shape to connect substrates 2 . The carrier 101 connects one end of the 16 substrates 2 aligned in the second direction Y in the third direction Z, and the carrier 102 connects the remaining 16 substrates 2 aligned in the second direction Y in the third direction Z. Connect the other end. The carrier 103 intervenes between the 16 substrates 2 connected by the carrier 101 and the 16 substrates 2 connected by the carrier 102 and connects them to each other. In the substrate assembly 100, substrates 2 adjacent in the second direction Y face each other with a slight gap along the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. The electronic components 22 may be mounted on the 32 substrates 2 forming the substrate assembly 100 in an integrated state. The substrate aggregate 100 is configured by, for example, cutting one substrate base material into 32 substrates 2 and carriers 101 , 102 , 103 .

Then, in the installation process (step ST2) of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the worker installs one board connector 3 on each board 2 of the board aggregate 100 configured as described above. to be installed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11 , the operator should place connector housings 32 on each of the plurality of substrates 2 arranged along the second direction Y, and make sure that the connector housings 32 are positioned adjacent to each other along the second direction Y. The board connector 3 is installed in such a positional relationship that the first abutment rib 32f of one connector housing 32 and the second abutment rib 32g of the adjacent connector housing 32 overlap along the first direction X. As shown in FIG.

The connector housing 32 is configured such that the positions along the first direction X of the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g are different from each other, as described above. With this configuration, when a plurality of connector housings 32 are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction Y, the first abutment rib 32f of one adjacent connector housing 32 and the second abutment rib 32f of the other adjacent connector housing 32 are arranged. The contact rib 32g can be allowed to overlap along the first direction X. Here, the connector housings 32 are arranged so that the first abutment ribs 32f of one connector housing 32 are positioned above the second abutment ribs 32g of the other connector housing 32 (on the side opposite to the board 2). The first butting rib 32f and the second butting rib 32g overlap each other.

Next, as a soldering step, the worker solders the terminals 31 with the board connectors 3 installed on the boards 2 and the terminals 31 inserted into the through holes 23 . are electrically connected (step ST3). A worker solders the terminals 31 inserted into the through holes 23 and the board 2 by, for example, so-called reflow soldering or flow soldering.

Next, as a cutting step, the operator cuts the connecting portions between the substrates 2 and the carriers 101, 102, 103 (step ST4). A worker cuts the connecting portions between the substrates 2 and the carriers 101, 102, and 103 using, for example, a router or the like, and cuts out each unit.

Next, as a cover attaching step, the worker attaches the connector cover 4 to the connector housing 32 (step ST5), completes the electrical connection box 1, and ends the manufacturing method of the electrical connection box 1. FIG.

The electrical connection box 1 and the wire harness WH described above are provided in the substrate connector 3 mounted on the substrate 2, in which the plurality of terminals 31 held in the connector housing 32 along the first direction X are electrically connected to the substrate 2. Connected. With this configuration, the board connector 3 is mounted on the board 2, and the mating connector C is fitted into the mating space 32i of the connector housing 32, so that the mating connector C and the terminals 31 are interposed therebetween. The cable material W and the substrate 2 can be electrically connected.

The electrical connection box 1 is mounted so that the connector cover 4 abuts against the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g of the connector housing 32 . With this configuration, the electrical connection box 1 covers the cover matching wall portion 32e together with the substrate 2 with the connector cover 4, closes the notch portion 32m, and protects the electronic components 22 and the terminals 31 on the substrate 2 together with the substrate 2. can be done.

With such a configuration, the board 2 is formed in a size that fits within the range of the outline L1 of the connector fitting portion 32a of the connector housing 32 when viewed along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. Moreover, in the electric connection box 1, the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g are provided at mutually different positions with respect to the first direction X. As shown in FIG. With this configuration, when the plurality of connector housings 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction Y, the electrical connection box 1 is configured so that the first abutment rib 32f of one connector housing 32 and the second contact rib 32f of the other connector housing 32 are separated from each other. Overlapping along the first direction X with the abutment rib 32g can be allowed.

Utilizing this fact, the electric connection box 1 is arranged such that the first abutting rib 32f of the adjacent connector housing 32 and the connector of the other are attached to the plurality of substrates 2 as in the installation step (step ST2) described above. The substrate connectors 3 can be arranged side by side along the second direction Y in a positional relationship in which the second abutting ribs 32g of the housing 32 overlap along the first direction X. As shown in FIG. That is, the electrical connection box 1 can arrange two adjacent connector housings 32 close to each other so that the first abutment rib 32f and the second abutment rib 32g overlap.

As a result, the electric junction box 1 and the method for manufacturing the electric junction box 1 arrange the plurality of substrate connectors 3 close to each other along the second direction Y on the plurality of substrates 2 in the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is possible to collect a plurality of boards 2 with a high density in the second direction Y and then provide a board connector 3 for each of the boards 2 that have been collected with a high density. can. Therefore, the electric connection box 1 and the method for manufacturing the electric connection box 1 can reduce board loss in the board assembly 100. In other words, the board 2 can be manufactured from one board assembly 100. , and thus the number of electrical connection boxes 1 can be relatively increased.

As described above, the electrical connection box 1 and the method for manufacturing the electrical connection box 1 described above can improve the manufacturing efficiency, and for example, can reduce the manufacturing cost.

The electrical junction box, wire harness, and electrical junction box manufacturing method according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It is possible.

The electrical junction box, the wire harness, and the electrical junction box manufacturing method according to the present embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the constituent elements of the embodiments and modifications described above.

1 Electrical Junction Box 2 Board 3 Board Connector 4 Connector Covers 4a, 4b Tip 4c Locking Hole 21 Mounting Surface 22 Electronic Component 22a Lead Wire 23 Through Hole 31 Terminal 32 Connector Housing 32a Connector Fitting Portion 32b Terminal Holding Portion 32c Connector Engagement Stopping portion 32d Contact support portion 32e Cover mating wall portion 32f First abutting rib 32g Second abutting rib 32h Partition wall 32i Fitting space portion 32j Rectangular projecting portion 32k Cavity 32l Cover locking portion 32m Notch portion 100 Board assembly 101, 102, 103 Carrier C Mating connector Ca Lock arm portion Cb Locking projection portion L1 Outline line W Wiring material WH Wire harness X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims (4)

a substrate that constitutes an electronic circuit;
A board mounted on the board, including a plurality of conductive terminals electrically connected to the board, and a connector housing holding the plurality of terminals along a first direction intersecting the board. a connector;
a connector cover attached to the connector housing and covering the substrate;
The connector housing includes a connector fitting portion into which a mating connector electrically connected to the terminal can be fitted along the first direction, and a connector fitting portion integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and intersecting with the first direction. and a first abutting rib against which the end of the connector cover abuts, and an end of the connector cover which is integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and protrudes to the other side in the second direction. has a second abutment rib against which the
The substrate is formed in a size that fits within the outline of the connector fitting portion when viewed along the first direction,
The first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are different in position along the first direction,
electrical connection box. When a plurality of the connector housings are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction, the first abutment rib of one of the adjacent connector housings and the second abutment rib of the other adjacent connector housing. overlap along the first direction,
The electric connection box according to claim 1. a conductive wiring material;
An electrical connection box electrically connected to the wiring material,
The electric connection box is
a substrate that constitutes an electronic circuit;
A board mounted on the board, including a plurality of conductive terminals electrically connected to the board, and a connector housing holding the plurality of terminals along a first direction intersecting the board. a connector;
a connector cover attached to the connector housing and covering the substrate;
The connector housing includes a connector fitting portion into which a mating connector electrically connected to the terminal can be fitted along the first direction, and a connector fitting portion integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and intersecting with the first direction. and a first abutting rib against which the end of the connector cover abuts, and an end of the connector cover which is integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and protrudes to the other side in the second direction. has a second abutment rib against which the
The substrate is formed in a size that fits within the outline of the connector fitting portion when viewed along the first direction,
The first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are different in position along the first direction,
wire harness. A plurality of conductive terminals that are electrically connected to the substrate, and a connector housing that holds the plurality of terminals along a first direction intersecting with the substrate are provided on a substrate that constitutes an electronic circuit. including an installation step of installing a board connector mounted on the board,
The connector housing includes a connector fitting portion into which a mating connector electrically connected to the terminal can be fitted along the first direction, and a connector fitting portion integrally formed with the connector fitting portion and intersecting with the first direction. and a second abutment rib formed integrally with the connector fitting portion and protruding to the other side in the second direction,
The substrate is formed in a size that fits within the outline of the connector fitting portion when viewed along the first direction,
the first abutment rib and the second abutment rib are different in position along the first direction,
In the installation step, the connector housing is positioned on each of the plurality of substrates arranged along the second direction, and one of the connector housings adjacent along the second direction is abutted against the first connector housing. The substrate connector is installed in a positional relationship in which the rib and the second abutment rib of the other connector housing adjacent to each other overlap in the first direction,
Electric junction box manufacturing method.

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