JP7655799B2 - Power Distribution Block - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power distribution block.

A wide variety of electronic devices are installed in automobiles. In order to supply power and transmit signals to these various electronic devices, a power distribution block consisting of electronic components such as relays and fuses is arranged in an appropriate location between the power source and the electronic devices. The power distribution block contains bus bars, and the electronic components are each connected to the bus bars (Patent Document 1).

A vehicle is provided with multiple power supply systems. For example, there is a power supply system that receives power from a battery and a power supply system that receives power from an alternator. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a bus bar for each power supply system and connect electronic components to the bus bar. However, the number of electronic components connected to each power supply system varies depending on the vehicle specifications. For this reason, if each bus bar is provided so that the maximum number of electronic components can be connected and all specifications can be accommodated, the power distribution block would become large and costs would increase.

JP 2018-7425 A

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a power distribution block that is compact and reduces costs.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the power distribution block according to the present invention is characterized by the following features [1] to [ 5 ].
[1]
A power distribution block including a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar,
the first bus bar has a first power supply terminal connected to a first connector provided at an end of a first power supply line, a first component terminal connected to an electronic component, and a first connection terminal;
the second bus bar has a second power supply terminal connected to a second connector provided at an end of a second power supply line, a second component terminal connected to the electronic component, and a second connection terminal;
the third bus bar has a third component terminal connected to the electronic component and a third connection terminal,
The power distribution block is provided with a connection member that is detachably connectable between the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal and between the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal, and that connects either the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal to the third connection terminal.
[2]
In the power distribution block according to [1],
the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus bar are arranged so that their thickness directions are parallel to each other,
The third connection terminal is disposed between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.
It is a power distribution block.
[3]
In the power distribution block according to [2],
the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus bar are provided in a long strip shape and are arranged such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other;
the first power supply terminal is provided at one end of the first bus bar in the longitudinal direction,
The first connection terminal is provided at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first bus bar,
the second power supply terminal is provided at one end of the second bus bar in the longitudinal direction,
The second connection terminal is provided at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar,
The third connection terminal is a power distribution block provided at one end of the third bus bar in the longitudinal direction.
[4]
[1] to [3], the power distribution block according to any one of the above,
The connection member is composed of either a protection component for protecting against overcurrent or a short pin.
It is a power distribution block.
[5]
In the power distribution block according to [1],
the number of the first component terminals provided on the first bus bar is the same as the number of the second component terminals provided on the second bus bar;
It is a power distribution block.

According to the power distribution block having the configurations of [1] and [5] above , in the case where the number of electronic components connected to the first power system supplied from the first power line is greater than the number of electronic components connected to the second power system supplied from the second power line, the connection member can be connected between the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal. This allows the third bus bar to be a bus bar for the first power system. In addition, in the case where the number of electronic components connected to the second power system is greater than the number of electronic components connected to the first power system, the connection member can be connected between the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal. This allows the third bus bar to be a bus bar for the second power system. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the first bus bar and the second bus bar so that the maximum number of electronic components in the specifications can be mounted, and it is possible to achieve size reduction and cost reduction.
According to the power distribution block having the configuration of [2] above, the third connection terminal is disposed between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, which makes it possible to easily connect connection members between the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal, and between the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal.
According to the power distribution block of the configuration [3] above, the first and second bus bars are provided with the first and second power terminals on one side in the longitudinal direction, and the first and second connection terminals on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The third bus bar is provided with the third connection terminal on one side in the longitudinal direction. This makes it easier to ensure mounting spaces for electronic components on both sides in the thickness direction of the first to third bus bars.
According to the power distribution block having the configuration described above in [4], the connection member is composed of either a protection component for protecting against overcurrent or a short pin. This allows the connection member to be composed of existing components.

The present invention provides a power distribution block that is compact and reduces costs.

The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following description of the embodiment of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a power distribution block of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar which configure the power distribution block of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 when a short pin is connected between the first bus bar and the third bus bar. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 when a short pin is connected between the second bus bar and the third bus bar. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of first to third bus bars and a fusible link that configure a power distribution block in another embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of first to third bus bars and a fusible link that constitute a power distribution block in another embodiment.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, the following terms are defined in Figs. 1 to 3 as "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", "up-down direction", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", and "down". The "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" are mutually perpendicular.

The power distribution block 1 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 etc. is housed in an electrical connection box mounted on a vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the power distribution block 1 includes a first bus bar 11, a second bus bar 12, and a third bus bar 13 (see Figure 2) that are respectively connected to a plurality of fuses H1 (electronic components) and fusible links H2 (electronic components), a short pin 14 (connecting member), and a housing 15 that houses the first to third bus bars 11 to 13.

The first to third bus bars 11 to 13 are formed by stamping a metal plate. The first to third bus bars 11 to 13 are formed into long strips and are accommodated in the housing so that their longitudinal, width, and thickness directions are parallel to one another. In this embodiment, the first to third bus bars 11 to 13 are accommodated in the housing 15 so that their longitudinal directions run along the front-to-rear direction, their width directions run along the up-down direction, and their thickness directions run along the left-to-right direction.

Next, the first bus bar 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the first bus bar 11 has a first power terminal T11, first fuse terminals T12 and T13 (first component terminals), and a first connection terminal T14. The first power terminal T11 is a terminal for connecting to a first connector 101 (FIG. 1) provided at the end of a first power line L1 to which a first power source is supplied. The first power terminal T11 is composed of a tab-shaped terminal protruding downward (one side in the width direction) from the end of the rear side (one side in the longitudinal direction) of the first bus bar 11. The first connector 101 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a female terminal fitting (not shown) connected to the core wire of the first power line L1, and a cylindrical first connector housing 101a that accommodates the terminal fitting. The tab-shaped first power terminal T11 is fitted and connected to a female terminal fitting (not shown) of the first connector 101.

The first fuse terminal T12 is a terminal for connecting to the fuse H1. The first fuse terminal T12 is a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward (the other side in the width direction) and has a slot for pressure welding cut from the center of the tip. The fuse H1 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a housing 103 that contains a fusible element (not shown) that melts when an overcurrent flows, and a pair of tab-shaped terminals (not shown) that are connected to both ends of the fusible element and arranged in the left-right direction. The right side (one side in the thickness direction) of the pair of tab-shaped terminals (not shown) that constitute the fuse H1 is inserted into the slot provided in the first fuse terminal T12 and pressure-welded. In this embodiment, eight first fuse terminals T12 are arranged in a row along the front-rear direction.

The first fuse terminal T13 is a terminal for connecting to the fusible link H2. The first fuse terminal T13 is composed of a tab-shaped terminal that protrudes upward, and three of them are arranged in a row along the front-rear direction. The fusible link H2 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of three fusible elements arranged in a row along the front-rear direction, three pairs of female terminal fittings connected to both ends of the three fusible elements, and a box-shaped housing 104 that houses the three fusible elements and the three pairs of female terminals (not shown). The paired female terminals of the fusible link H3 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction and housed therein. The right side of the paired female terminal fittings arranged in a row is fitted into the first fuse terminal T13.

The first connection terminal T14 is a terminal for connecting to the short pin 14 described later. The first connection terminal T14 is a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward from the front end (the other side in the longitudinal direction) of the first bus bar 11 and has a slot for pressure welding cut into the center of the tip.

The first fuse terminals T12 and T13 are provided between the first power supply terminal T11 and the first connection terminal T14. Between the first power supply terminal T11 and the first connection terminal T14, the first fuse terminal T12 is provided on the first power supply terminal T11 side, and the first fuse terminal T13 is provided on the first connection terminal T14 side.

Next, the second bus bar 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the second bus bar 12 has a second power supply terminal T21, second fuse terminals T22 and T23 (second component terminals), and a second connection terminal T24. The second power supply terminal T21 is a terminal for connecting to a second connector 102 provided at the end of a second power supply line L2 to which a second power supply different from the first power supply is supplied.

The second power terminal T21 is composed of a tab-shaped terminal that protrudes downward from the rear end. The second connector 102 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a female terminal fitting (not shown) connected to the core wire of the second power line L2, and a cylindrical second connector housing 102a that houses the terminal fitting. The tab-shaped second power terminal T21 is connected by fitting into the female terminal fitting (not shown) of the second connector 102.

The second fuse terminal T22 is a terminal for connecting to the fuse H1. The second fuse terminal T22 is composed of a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward and has a slot for pressure welding cut into the center of the tip. The left side (the other side in the thickness direction) of a pair of tab-shaped terminals (not shown) that make up the fuse H1 is inserted into the slot provided in the second fuse terminal T22 and pressure-welded. In this embodiment, eight second fuse terminals T22 are arranged in a line along the front-to-rear direction.

The second fuse terminal T23 is a terminal for connecting to the fusible link H2. The second fuse terminal T23 is composed of a tab-shaped terminal that protrudes upward, and three of them are arranged in a line along the front-to-rear direction. The second fuse terminal T23 is fitted with the left side of a pair of female terminal fittings arranged on the left and right that make up the fusible link H2.

The second connection terminal T24 is a terminal for connecting to the short pin 14 described later. The second connection terminal T24 is composed of a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward from the front end and has a slot for pressure welding cut into the center of the tip.

The second fuse terminals T22 and T23 are provided between the second power supply terminal T21 and the second connection terminal T24. Between the second power supply terminal T21 and the second connection terminal T24, the second fuse terminal T22 is provided on the second power supply terminal T21 side, and the second fuse terminal T23 is provided on the second connection terminal T24 side.

Next, the third bus bar 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the third bus bar 13 has third fuse terminals T31 and T32 (third component terminals) and a third connection terminal T33. The third fuse terminal T31 is a terminal for connecting to the fuse H1. The third fuse terminal T31 is composed of a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward and has a slot for pressure welding cut into the center of the tip. The left side of a pair of tab-shaped terminals (not shown) that constitute the fuse H1 is inserted into the slot provided in the third fuse terminal T31 and pressure-welded. In this embodiment, eight third fuse terminals T31 are provided lined up along the front-rear direction.

The third fuse terminal T32 is a terminal for connecting to the fusible link H2. The third fuse terminal T32 is composed of a tab-shaped terminal that protrudes upward, and three of them are arranged in a line along the front-to-rear direction. The third fuse terminal T32 is fitted with the left side of a pair of female terminals arranged on the left and right sides of the fusible link H2.

The third connection terminal T33 is a terminal for connecting to the short pin 14 described later. The third connection terminal T33 is composed of a tuning fork terminal that protrudes upward from the rear end and has a slot for pressure welding cut into the center of the tip.

The third fuse terminal T32 is provided between the third fuse terminal T31 and the third connection terminal T33.

Next, the arrangement of the first to third bus bars 11 to 13 described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the third connection terminal T33 provided on the rear side of the third bus bar 13 is arranged to be located between the first and second connection terminals T14 and T24 provided on the front sides of the first and second bus bars 11 and 12. As a result, the first to third connection terminals T14, T24, and T33 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

Next, the short pin 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the short pin 14 has a housing 141 that houses a conductive portion, and a pair of terminals 142 that are connected to both ends of the conductive portion and protrude downward from the housing 141, and the pair of terminals 142 are conductive with each other. The short pin 14 can be detachably connected between either the first connection terminal T14 and the third connection terminal T33, or between the second connection terminal T24 and the third connection terminal T33.

Next, the housing 15 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 15 has a first busbar accommodating portion 151 that accommodates the first busbar 11, a second busbar accommodating portion 152 that accommodates the second busbar 12, a third busbar accommodating portion 153 that accommodates the third busbar 13, and a connection terminal accommodating portion 154 that accommodates the first to third connection terminals T14, T24, T33 of the first to third busbars 11 to 13. The first busbar accommodating portion 151 and the second busbar accommodating portion 152 are formed in a cube that is elongated in the front-rear direction and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In addition, the front ends of the first and second busbar accommodating portions 152 and 153 are provided so as to be continuous with the connection terminal accommodating portion 154.

Furthermore, the rear ends of the first and second busbar accommodating portions 151, 152 are formed with first and second female connector housings 151a, 152a that mate with the first and second connector housings 101a, 101b of the first and second connectors 101, 102. The first and second connector housings 151a, 152a are formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes downward, and accommodate the first and second power terminals T11, T21.

When the first and second connector housings 101a and 101b are inserted into the first and second connector housings 151a and 152a, the female terminal fittings of the first and second connectors 101 and 102 engage with the first and second power terminals T11 and T21, connecting the first and second bus bars 11 and 12 to the first and second power lines L1 and L2. The third bus bar accommodating portion 153 is formed in a cube that is long in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the connection terminal accommodating portion 154.

Next, an example of the use of the power distribution block 1 described above will be described. In the case where the number of fuses H1 and fusible links H2 connected to the first power supply system is greater than the number of fuses H1 and fusible links H2 connected to the second power supply system, as shown in FIG. 3, the short pin 14 is connected between the first connection terminal T14 and the third connection terminal T33. This connects the first bus bar 11 and the third bus bar 13, and the third bus bar 13 can be used as a bus bar for the first power supply system. In other words, a maximum of 16 fuses H1 and 2 fusible links H2 can be connected to the first power supply system, and a maximum of 8 fuses H1 and 1 fusible link H2 can be connected to the second power supply system.

In addition, in the case where the number of fuses H1 and fusible links H2 connected to the second power supply system is greater than the number of fuses H1 and fusible links H2 connected to the first power supply system, as shown in FIG. 4, the short pin 14 is connected between the second connection terminal T24 and the third connection terminal T33. This connects the second bus bar 12 and the third bus bar 13, and the third bus bar 13 can be used as a bus bar for the second power supply system. In other words, a maximum of 16 fuses H1 and 2 fusible links H2 can be connected to the second power supply system, and a maximum of 8 fuses H1 and 1 fusible link H2 can be connected to the first power supply system.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12 so that they are each equipped with the maximum number of fuses H1 and fusible links H2 specified in the specifications. In other words, it is not necessary to provide 16 fuses H1 and two fusible links H2 in each of the first and second bus bars 11 and 12, respectively, which allows for size reduction and cost reduction.

According to the embodiment described above, the third connection terminal T33 is disposed between the first connection terminal T14 and the second connection terminal T24. This allows the short pin 14 to be easily connected between the first connection terminal T14 and the third connection terminal T33, and between the second connection terminal T24 and the third connection terminal T33.

According to the above-described embodiment, the first and second bus bars 11 and 12 are provided with the first and second power supply terminals T11 and T21 on the front side, and the first and second connection terminals T14 and T24 on the rear side. The third bus bar 13 is provided with the third connection terminal T33 on the rear side. This makes it easier to ensure mounting space for the fuse H1 and fusible link H2 on both the left and right sides of the first to third bus bars 11 to 13.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, size, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a short pin 14 is used as the connecting member, but this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, a fusible link 14B (protective component) that protects against overcurrent may be used as the connecting member. The fusible link 14B has a fusible element that melts when an overcurrent flows, female terminals connected to both ends of the fusible element, and a housing 141B that contains the fusible element and the female terminal (not shown). Therefore, the first to third connecting terminals T14B, T24B, T33B are composed of tab-shaped terminals that fit into the female terminals of the fusible link 14B.

As shown in FIG. 6, a fusible link 14C (protective component) that can pass a larger current than the fusible link 14B may be used as the connecting member. The fusible link 14C has a fusible element that melts when an overcurrent flows, female terminals connected to both ends of the fusible element, and a housing 141C that houses the fusible element and the female terminal (not shown). Therefore, the first to third connecting terminals T14C, T24C, and T33C are made up of tab-shaped terminals that fit into the female terminals of the fusible link 14C.

Here, the features of the embodiments of the power distribution block according to the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [4].
[1]
A power distribution block (1) including a first bus bar (11), a second bus bar (12), and a third bus bar (13),
The first bus bar (11) has a first power supply terminal (T11) connected to a first connector (101) provided at an end of a first power supply line (L1), first component terminals (T12, T13) connected to electronic components (H1, H2), and first connection terminals (T14, T14B, T14C),
The second bus bar (12) has a second power supply terminal (T21) connected to a second connector (102) provided at an end of a second power supply line (L2), second component terminals (T22, T23) connected to the electronic components (H1, H2), and second connection terminals (T24, T24B, T24C),
The third bus bar (13) has third component terminals (T31, T32) connected to the electronic components (H1, H2) and third connection terminals (T33, T33B, T33C),
A power distribution block (1) including a connection member (14, 14B, 14C) that connects between one of the first connection terminal (T14, T14B, T14C) and the second connection terminal (T24, T24B, T24C) and the third connection terminal (T33, T33B, T33C).
[2]
In the power distribution block (1) according to [1],
The first bus bar (11), the second bus bar (12), and the third bus bar (13) are arranged so that their thickness directions are parallel to each other,
The third connection terminals (T33, T33B, T33C) are disposed between the first connection terminals (T14, T14B, T14C) and the second connection terminals (T24, T24B, T24C).
Power distribution block (1).
[3]
In the power distribution block (1) according to [2],
The first bus bar (11), the second bus bar (12), and the third bus bar (13) are provided in a long strip shape and are arranged such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other,
The first power supply terminal (T11) is provided at one end of the first bus bar (11) in the longitudinal direction,
The first connection terminals (T14, T14B, T14C) are provided at the other end of the first bus bar (11) in the longitudinal direction,
The second power terminal (T21) is provided at one end of the second bus bar (12) in the longitudinal direction,
The second connection terminal (T24, T24B, T24C) is provided at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar (12),
The third connection terminals (T33, T33B, T33C) are provided at one end of the third bus bar (13) in the longitudinal direction.
[4]
A power distribution block (1) according to any one of [1] to [3],
The connection member is composed of either a protection component (14B, 14C) for protecting against overcurrent or a short pin (14).
Power distribution block (1).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 power supply distribution block 11 first bus bar 12 second bus bar 13 third bus bar 14 short pin (connecting member)
14B Fusible link (protective component)
14C Fusible link (protective component)
101 First connector 102 Second connector H1 Fuse (electronic component)
H2 Fusible link (electronic component)
L1 First power line L2 Second power line T11 First power terminal T12, T13 First fuse terminal (first component terminal)
T14, T14B, T14C First connection terminal T21 Second power supply terminal T22, T23 Second fuse terminal (second component terminal)
T24, T24B, T24C Second connection terminal T31, T32 Third fuse terminal (third component terminal)
T33, T33B, T33C 3rd connection terminal

Claims (5)

A power distribution block including a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar,
the first bus bar has a first power supply terminal connected to a first connector provided at an end of a first power supply line, a first component terminal connected to an electronic component, and a first connection terminal;
the second bus bar has a second power supply terminal connected to a second connector provided at an end of a second power supply line, a second component terminal connected to the electronic component, and a second connection terminal;
the third bus bar has a third component terminal connected to the electronic component and a third connection terminal,
A power distribution block comprising a connection member that can be freely connected detachably between the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal and between the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal, the connection member connecting either the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal and the third connection terminal. 2. The power distribution block according to claim 1,
the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus bar are arranged so that their thickness directions are parallel to each other,
The third connection terminal is disposed between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.
Power distribution block. 3. The power distribution block according to claim 2,
the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus bar are provided in a long strip shape and are arranged such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other;
the first power supply terminal is provided at one end of the first bus bar in the longitudinal direction,
The first connection terminal is provided at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first bus bar,
the second power supply terminal is provided at one end of the second bus bar in the longitudinal direction,
The second connection terminal is provided at an end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar,
the third connection terminal is provided at one end of the third bus bar in the longitudinal direction. The power distribution block according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The connection member is composed of either a protection component for protecting against overcurrent or a short pin.
Power distribution block. 2. The power distribution block according to claim 1,
the number of the first component terminals provided on the first bus bar is the same as the number of the second component terminals provided on the second bus bar;
Power distribution block.

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