JP7715541B2 - Electrical junction box and connection structure between electrical junction box and expansion electrical junction box - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical junction box and a connection structure between an electrical junction box and an expansion electrical junction box.

Electrical connection boxes such as relay boxes and fuse boxes that are mounted on vehicles and have storage spaces for accommodating electronic components such as relays and fuses have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-7424

Generally, electrical junction boxes installed in vehicles often have different circuit configurations depending on the vehicle model, grade, etc., on which they are installed. For example, the electrical junction box is installed in a vehicle with its storage space housing electronic components that are common to all vehicles. Electronic components that are used only in certain vehicles are then housed in an extension electrical junction box, which is then installed in the vehicle according to the vehicle model, grade, etc. For example, power is supplied from the electrical junction box via electrical wires to the electronic components housed in the extension electrical junction box.

Because various components are installed inside the vehicle in which the electrical junction box is installed, the work area for connecting the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box is limited. Therefore, if the connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box is complicated, workability will be significantly impaired.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electrical junction box that can easily supply power to an expansion electrical junction box, and a connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electrical junction box and the connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box according to the present invention are characterized by the following [1] to [ 3 ].
[1]
An electrical connection box having a storage space capable of storing electronic components,
a box-shaped first resin body having an opening on an upper side in a vertical direction when the electrical junction box is installed;
a second resin body that is removably attached to the first resin body and covers the opening,
the first resin body has a power supply portion that supplies power to an expansion electrical junction box located outside the electrical junction box ,
The power supply unit
When the second resin body is detached from the first resin body, the second resin body is exposed to the outside,
a third resin body detachably assembled to the first resin body,
The first resin body is
a mounting portion having a groove shape recessed toward the inside of the electrical connection box in a part of a peripheral wall that defines the housing space, the mounting portion defining a second housing space in which the third resin body is housed,
a communicating portion having a groove shape recessed so as to be away from the second accommodating space is provided in a part of an inner wall of a groove of the mounting portion that defines the second accommodating space, and the communicating portion connects the inside of the groove of the communicating portion and the second accommodating space via an opening of the communicating portion;
One end of the communication portion communicates with the accommodation space, and the other end of the communication portion communicates with the outside of the electrical connection box,
When the third resin body is accommodated in the second accommodation space, the opening of the communication portion is blocked by a part of an outer wall of the third resin body.
It must be an electrical junction box.
[2]
In the electrical connection box described in [1] above,
a removable cover portion is provided on the communication portion of the first resin body,
The electrical junction box is
When the cover portion is removed from the communication portion of the first resin body, the accommodation space communicates with the outside of the electrical junction box via the communication portion .
It must be an electrical junction box.
[ 3 ]
The electrical connection box according to [1] or [2] above,
an expansion electrical junction box in which electronic components are housed;
an electric wire having one end connected to the power supply unit and the other end connected to the electronic component of the extension electric junction box , and a portion between the one end and the other end being inserted into the communication portion;
The connection structure must be between the electrical connection box and the expansion electrical connection box.

The electrical junction box of the configuration [1] above is described below. The electrical junction box of this configuration includes a box-shaped first resin body having an opening on the vertically upper side when installed (e.g., mounted on a vehicle), and a second resin body that is removably attached to the first resin body to cover the opening. A power supply unit that supplies power to the expansion electrical junction box located outside the accommodation space is exposed outside the accommodation space by removing the second resin body from the first resin body. For example, when connecting the expansion electrical junction box to the electrical junction box, power can be supplied from the electrical junction box to the expansion electrical junction box by connecting the power supply unit to the connection unit of the expansion electrical junction box. In this way, the electrical junction box of this configuration easily supplies power to the expansion electrical junction box.
Furthermore, the electrical junction box of this configuration further includes a third resin body removably attached to the receiving portion of the first resin body. The receiving portion has a groove-shaped peripheral wall of the first resin body that is recessed inward in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a communication portion recessed away from the third resin body is provided on the inner wall of the groove. For example, if the expansion electrical junction box receives power from the electrical junction box via an electric wire, removing the lid and the third resin body from the first resin body allows the electric wire to be easily inserted into the communication portion. Then, when the third resin body is attached to the first resin body, the third resin body can restrict displacement of the electric wire.

The electrical junction box of the configuration [2] above is described below. In this configuration, the first resin body is provided with a removable lid, and when the lid is removed from the first resin body, a communication section is formed that connects the inside and outside of the storage space. For example, if the expansion electrical junction box receives power from the electrical junction box via an electric wire, the lid can be removed from the first resin body and the electric wire can be inserted into the defined communication section. Furthermore, when the expansion electrical junction box is not connected to the electrical junction box, the lid does not connect the inside and outside of the storage space, preventing water from entering from the outside of the storage space and ensuring the waterproofness of the electrical junction box.

The connection structure between the electrical junction box of the configuration [ 3 ] above and an expansion electrical junction box is described below. The connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box of this configuration includes the electrical junction box described in [1] or [2] above , the expansion electrical junction box that houses an electronic component, and an electric wire that is connected to a power supply unit at one end and to the electronic component of the expansion electrical junction box at the other end. In other words, by removing the second resin body from the first resin body and electrically connecting one end of the electric wire to the exposed power supply unit, power is supplied to the electronic component housed in the expansion electrical junction box and electrically connected to the other end of the electric wire. In this way, the connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box of this configuration allows the expansion electrical junction box to easily supply power from the electric junction box via the electric wire.

In this way, the present invention provides an electrical junction box that can easily supply power to an expansion electrical junction box, as well as a connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the detailed description of the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection structure between an electric junction box and an extension electric junction box according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical junction box shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of the frame shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to part A shown in FIG. 3, and is a view illustrating a process of inserting the electric wires of the extension part into the electric junction box. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the expansion electrical junction box shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fusible link is connected to a connector formed by coupling a split connector of an electric junction box and a split connector of an expansion electric junction box. Figure 7(a) is an oblique view showing the process of connecting the split connector of the electrical junction box and the split connector of the expansion electrical junction box, and Figure 7(b) is an oblique view showing the process of electrically connecting the connector formed by connecting the split connector of the electrical junction box and the split connector of the expansion connector to a fusible link. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a connection structure between an electric junction box and an extension electric junction box according to another embodiment, and is a perspective view of the extension electric junction box. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a mode in which the connector of the extension electrical junction box is electrically connected to the fusible link via the connector of the electrical junction box.

<Embodiment>
Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an electric junction box 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 will be described. The electric junction box 1 is typically a relay box mounted on a vehicle and having an internal space for accommodating electronic components such as relays and other components R (see Figs. 2 and 3).

For ease of explanation, the following definitions will be used, as shown in Figure 1: "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down." The "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" are perpendicular to one another. When the electrical junction box 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the "front-rear direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the vehicle, respectively. Furthermore, the side of the electrical junction box 1 facing the interior will be referred to as the "inner" side, and the side of the electrical junction box 1 facing the exterior will be referred to as the "outer" side.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical junction box 1 is composed of a frame 2, a lower cover 3 attached to the bottom of the frame 2 to close the opening at the bottom end of the frame 2, an upper cover 4 attached to the top of the frame 2 to close the opening at the top end of the frame 2, and a side cover 5 attached to the peripheral wall of the frame 2. All four of the above components that make up the electrical junction box 1 are molded resin bodies.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the electrical junction box 1, electrical wires (not shown) electrically connected to a portion of the component R located inside the electrical junction box 1 are led out to the exterior of the electrical junction box 1 through electrical wire outlet holes 6 provided on the front side of the electrical junction box 1. Furthermore, electrical wires (not shown) electrically connected to another portion of the component R are led out to the exterior of the electrical junction box 1 through electrical wire outlet holes 9 (see FIG. 10) provided on the lower left side of the electrical junction box 1. In addition, electrical wires (not shown) electrically connected to the bus bar BS attached to the retaining portion 12 inside the electrical junction box 1 are led out to the exterior of the electrical junction box through electrical wire outlet holes 7. The frame 2, lower cover 3, upper cover 4, and side cover 5 that make up the electrical junction box 1 will be described below in order.

First, we will explain the frame 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame 2 has a side wall 11 that is a generally rectangular tube extending in the vertical direction. The side wall 11 forms the majority of the exterior side of the electrical junction box 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the side wall 11 is provided with a flat holding portion 12 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, dividing the internal space of the side wall 11 into two, upper and lower. The holding portion 12 holds multiple types of multiple components R so that they are lined up along the extension direction of the holding portion 12.

A split connector 121 is provided at the front right corner of the holding portion 12 (see Figures 6 and 7). The split connector 121 is connected to a split connector 83 provided at one end of an electric wire 82 (described below) to form an integrated connector. The split connector 121 has a box-shaped portion 122 with a generally rectangular shape that is open at the top and front, and a terminal portion 123 located inside the box-shaped portion 122 (see Figure 7(a) in particular). Power is supplied to the split connector 121 via a bus bar BS attached to the holding portion 12. A locking portion 124 is provided on the side wall of the holding portion 12 (see Figures 6 and 7). The locking portion 124 locks with a lockable portion (not shown) provided on the inside of the side wall portion 11, thereby holding the holding portion 12 to the frame 2.

As shown in Figure 2, a mounting portion 13 having a groove shape recessed toward the interior of the electrical junction box 1 is provided on the front and right side of the side wall portion 11, extending in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the mounting portion 13 has a semi-cylindrical shape. The groove inner wall 15 of the mounting portion 13 functions to form the rear portion of the inner wall that defines the electric wire withdrawal hole 6. A communication portion 17 recessed toward the right and extending in the vertical direction is provided on the groove inner wall 15 on the right side of the mounting portion 13 (see Figure 4(c) in particular).

Before the expansion electrical junction box 81 is connected to the electrical junction box 1, the lid 16 is attached to close the lower opening of the communication portion (see Figure 4(a)). The lid 16 prevents water from entering through the lower opening of the communication portion 17. When the expansion electrical junction box 81 is connected to the electrical junction box 1, the lid 16 is removed from the communication portion 17, as described below. When the lid 16 is removed from the communication portion 17, the communication portion 17 is connected in the vertical direction. A pair of locking pieces 14 are provided on the side wall portion 11 located at the open end of the mounting portion 13. The locking pieces 14 lock onto the locking portions 52 of the side cover 5, which will be described below.

Engaged portions 18, each including a through-hole extending in the vertical direction, are integrally formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the side wall portion 11 at multiple locations (seven locations in this example) around the circumference (see Figures 1 to 3). The engaged portions 18 function to assemble the lower cover 3 to the frame 2.

Engagement portions 19 are integrally formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the side wall portion 11 at multiple locations (three locations in this example) around the circumference (see Figures 1 to 3). The engagement portions 19 function to assemble the upper cover 4 to the frame 2.

Downward-extending stay portions 21 are integrally formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the side wall portion 11 at multiple locations (four locations in this example) around the circumference (see Figures 1 to 3). The stay portions 21 function to secure the frame 2 (i.e., the electrical junction box 1) to the mounting location on the vehicle by assembling their distal ends to the mounting location on the vehicle.

A semi-cylindrical gutter 23 that opens downward is provided at a location on the side wall 11 corresponding to the wire outlet hole 7 (see Figure 1) and extends diagonally in a lower right direction (see Figure 2). The gutter 23 functions to form the upper portion of the inner wall that defines the wire outlet hole 7. Furthermore, a semi-cylindrical gutter 24 that opens downward is provided at a location on the side wall 11 corresponding to the wire outlet hole 9 (see Figure 10) and extends diagonally in a lower right direction (see Figure 3). The gutter 24 functions to form the upper portion of the inner wall that defines the wire outlet hole 9.

Next, the lower cover 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower cover 3 integrally comprises an annular side wall portion 31 that forms most of the exterior of the lower side of the electrical junction box 1, and a bottom wall portion 32 that closes the annular lower end opening of the side wall portion 31 and forms most of the exterior of the bottom of the electrical junction box 1. The annular upper edge portion of the side wall portion 31 has a shape that corresponds to the annular lower edge portion of the side wall portion 11 of the frame 2, and is capable of fitting with the annular lower edge portion of the side wall portion 11.

The bottom wall portion 32 has a shape that slopes downward from rear to front and from left to right. Therefore, the inner surface (top surface) of the bottom wall portion 32 also slopes downward from rear to front and from left to right. Therefore, the front right corner is the lowest position on the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 32. Because the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 32 is sloped in this way, water that enters the electrical junction box 1 is guided along the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 32 toward the front right corner, which is the lowest position.

The upper end of the side wall portion 31 has multiple (seven, in this example) circumferentially extending locking pieces 33 integrally formed on its outer surface, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple locking portions 18 on the frame 2 (see Figure 2).

A recess 34 is provided in the side wall 11 at a location corresponding to the wire outlet hole 6 (see Figure 1), extending vertically toward the interior of the electrical junction box 1 (see Figure 2). The recess 34 serves to form the rear portion of the inner wall that defines the wire outlet hole 6.

A semi-cylindrical gutter 35 that opens upward is provided in the side wall 31 at a location corresponding to the wire outlet hole 7 (see Figure 1) and extends diagonally in a lower right direction (see Figure 2). The gutter 35 functions to form the lower portion of the inner wall that defines the wire outlet hole 7. Furthermore, a semi-cylindrical gutter 36 that opens upward is provided in the side wall 31 at a location corresponding to the wire outlet hole 9 (see Figure 10) and extends diagonally in a lower left direction (see Figure 2). The gutter 36 functions to form the lower portion of the inner wall that defines the wire outlet hole 9.

Next, the upper cover 4 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the upper cover 4 integrally comprises an annular side wall portion 41 that forms most of the appearance of the upper side surface of the electrical junction box 1, and an upper wall portion 42 that closes the annular upper end opening of the side wall portion 41 and forms most of the appearance of the top surface of the electrical junction box 1. The annular lower edge portion of the side wall portion 41 has a shape that corresponds to the annular upper edge portion of the side wall portion 11 of the frame 2, and is capable of fitting with the annular upper edge portion of the side wall portion 11.

Latching portions 43 are integrally formed on the outer surface of the side wall portion 41 at multiple locations (three locations in this example) around the circumference, each corresponding to a multiple number of latched portions 19 on the frame 2.

Next, the side cover 5 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the side cover 5 integrally comprises a main body 51 that functions to form part of the front right side wall 11 of the frame 2, a pair of engaging portions 52 provided on the outer surface of the main body 51, and a semi-cylindrical portion 53 provided on the inner surface of the main body 51. The side cover 5 (semi-cylindrical portion 53) is open inward and communicates in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 1, the side cover 5 is attached to the attachment portion 13 of the frame 2.

The pair of latching portions 52 include through holes extending in the vertical direction and are integrally formed on the main body portion 51 in correspondence with the pair of latching pieces 14 on the frame 2. The latching portions 52 function to assemble the side cover 5 to the frame 2. The lower portion of the semi-cylindrical portion 53 has a trough-like shape that protrudes downward beyond the main body portion 51. The semi-cylindrical portion 53 functions to form the outer portion of the inner wall that defines the electric wire withdrawal hole 6.

The frame 2, lower cover 3, upper cover 4, and side cover 5 that make up the electrical junction box 1 have been described above.

To assemble the electrical junction box 1, which consists of a frame 2, lower cover 3, upper cover 4, and side cover 5, it is necessary to assemble the lower cover 3, upper cover 4, and side cover 5 to the frame 2.

To assemble the lower cover 3 to the frame 2, first, the multiple locking pieces 33 (see Figure 2) of the lower cover 3 are inserted from below into the multiple through-holes of the locked portions 18 (see Figure 2) of the frame 2, respectively. From this state, the annular upper edge of the side wall portion 31 of the lower cover 3 is fitted into the annular lower edge of the side wall portion 11 of the frame 2, and the multiple locking pieces 33 are engaged with the multiple locked portions 18. This completes the assembly of the lower cover 3 to the frame 2 (see Figure 1).

Similarly, to assemble the upper cover 4 to the frame 2, the annular lower edge of the side wall 41 of the upper cover 4 is fitted into the annular upper edge of the side wall 11 of the frame 2, and the multiple locking portions 43 of the upper cover 4 are engaged with the multiple locking portions 19 of the frame 2. This completes the assembly of the upper cover 4 to the frame 2 (see Figure 1).

Similarly, to assemble the side cover 5 to the frame 2, the locking pieces 14 of the frame 2 are inserted from below into the through-holes of the locking portions 52 of the side cover 5 (see Figure 2), and the pair of locking pieces 14 are engaged with the pair of locking portions 52. This completes the assembly of the side cover 5 to the frame 2 (see Figure 1).

When the electrical junction box 1 is fully assembled, the engagement between the multiple locking pieces 33 and the multiple locked portions 18 prevents the lower cover 3 from separating downward from the frame 2. Similarly, the engagement between the multiple locking portions 43 and the multiple locked portions 19 prevents the upper cover 4 from separating upward from the frame 2. Similarly, the engagement between the multiple locking pieces 14 and the multiple locked portions 52 prevents the side cover 5 from separating forward from the frame 2. Furthermore, the groove inner wall 15 of the mounted portion 13 of the frame 2 and the semi-cylindrical portion 53 of the side cover 5, and the semi-cylindrical portion 53 (gutter-shaped portion) of the side cover 5 and the recessed portion 34 of the lower cover 3 (see Figure 2) define an electric wire outlet hole 6 through which an electric wire (not shown) is inserted (see Figure 1). Similarly, the gutter-shaped portion 23 of the frame 2 and the gutter-shaped portion 35 of the lower cover 3 (see Figure 2) define an electric wire outlet hole 7 (see Figure 1) through which an electric wire (not shown) is inserted.

The following describes the expansion unit 8 connected to the electrical junction box 1. As shown in Figure 8, the expansion unit 8 includes an expansion electrical junction box 81 that receives power from the electrical junction box 1, and an electric wire 82 that has a split connector 121 connected to one end and an electronic component (not shown) housed in the expansion electrical junction box connected to the other end.

The expansion electrical junction box 81 is, for example, an electrical junction box selected to match the vehicle's expanded functions. The shape and function of the expansion electrical junction box 81 may be selected appropriately to match the vehicle in which it will be installed. In other words, in the connection structure 100 of this embodiment, the shape, function, etc. of the expansion electrical junction box 81 are not particularly limited, and a conventional electrical junction box may be used.

The electric wire 82 has a split connector 83 at one end. The split connector 83 is connected to a split connector 121 provided on the holding portion 12 to form an integrated connector. The split connector 83 has a box-shaped portion 85 with a generally rectangular shape that is open on the top and rear sides, and a terminal portion 84 located inside the box-shaped portion 85 (see Figure 8 in particular).

When the expansion section (expansion electrical junction box 81) is connected to the electrical junction box 1, the other end of the electric wire 82 is electrically connected to the electronic component housed in the expansion electrical junction box 81, and the split connector 83 of the electric wire 82 is electrically connected to the split connector 121 of the electrical junction box 1. As a result, power is supplied from the electric junction box 1 to the expansion electrical junction box 81. The following describes the process of routing the electric wire 82, whose other end is electrically connected to the electronic component housed in the expansion electrical junction box 81, to the electrical junction box 1.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), before the expansion electrical junction box 81 is connected to the electrical junction box 1, the side cover 5 is attached to the mounting portion 13 of the frame 2, and the lid portion 16 is attached to the lower end opening of the communication portion 17.

When connecting the expansion electrical junction box 81 to the electrical junction box 1, first remove the side cover 5 attached to the mounting portion 13 of the frame 2 (see Figure 4(b)), then apply upward or downward force to the lid portion 16 to remove the lid portion 16 from the lower end opening of the communication portion 17 (see Figure 4(c)). Then, insert the electrical wires 82 through the vertically communicating communication portion 17 (see Figure 4(d)). Finally, attach the side cover 5 to the mounting portion 13 of the frame 2. This separates the electrical wire outlet hole 6 from the communication portion by the side cover 5, and the displacement of the electrical wires 82 is restricted by the side cover 5.

The process for connecting the split connector 121 of the holding portion 12 and the split connector 83 provided at one end of the electric wire 82 will be described. First, the split connector 83 of the electric wire 82 is positioned above the split connector 121 of the holding portion 12 (see Figure 7(a)). Then, the split connector 83 of the electric wire 82 is moved downward and connected to the split connector 121. This forms a connector in which the split connector 121 and the split connector 83 are connected.

Then, the fusible link FL is placed above the connector consisting of the split connector 121 and split connector 83 (see Figure 7(b)), and the fusible link FL is moved downward to electrically connect to the connector consisting of the split connector 121 and split connector 83 (see Figure 6). Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the terminal portion 123 of the split connector 121 and the terminal portion 84 of the split connector 83 are inserted into a pair of holes 91 of the fusible link FL. In other words, the split connector 121 and the split connector 83 are electrically connected via a fuse.

When an extension electrical junction box receives power from an electrical junction box via an electric wire, the electrical junction box typically has a fusible link for the extension electrical junction box already housed in its housing space. However, if an extension electrical junction box is not installed in a vehicle, the housing space for the electrical junction box will contain an unused fusible link for the extension electrical junction box, leaving room for improvement in terms of reducing the number of parts and, ultimately, costs.

However, the connection structure 100 according to this embodiment does not require the fusible link FL to be housed in the electrical connection box 1 beforehand, which reduces the number of parts compared to conventional electrical connection boxes, thereby reducing costs.

For ease of explanation, the process of routing the electric wire 82, the other end of which is electrically connected to an electronic component housed in the expansion electric junction box 81, into the electric junction box 1 and the process of connecting the split connector 121 of the holding portion 12 to the split connector 83 provided at one end of the electric wire 82 are described above as separate processes, but these two processes may also be combined into one process.

<Actions and Effects>
As described above, when the upper cover 4 of the electrical junction box 1 according to this embodiment is removed from the frame 2, the split connector 121 is exposed to the outside (see FIG. 3 ). By connecting the split connector 83 of the electric wire 82 to the exposed split connector 121, power can be supplied from the electrical junction box 1 to the expansion electrical junction box 81. In this way, the electrical junction box 1 according to this embodiment can easily supply power to the expansion electrical junction box 81.

Furthermore, the electrical junction box 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a lid portion 16 on the frame 2 (the lower end opening of the communication portion 17), which prevents water from entering the storage space when the expansion electrical junction box 8 is not connected to the electrical junction box 1. In this way, the electrical junction box 1 is waterproof. When power is supplied from the electrical junction box 1 to the expansion electrical junction box 8, the lid portion 16 is removed from the frame 2, and the communication portion 17 communicates vertically so that the electrical wires 82 of the expansion portion 8 can be inserted. This makes it easier to route the electrical wires 82 in the electrical junction box 1 according to this embodiment.

Furthermore, when supplying power from the electrical junction box 1 to the expansion electrical junction box 8, the side cover 5 and lid portion 16 can be removed from the frame 2, allowing the electrical wires 82 of the expansion portion 8 to be easily inserted into the communication portion 17. Then, by assembling the side cover 5 to the mounting portion 13 of the frame 2, the displacement of the electrical wires 82 is restricted by the side cover 5.

In this embodiment, the connection structure 100 between the electrical junction box 1 and the expansion electrical junction box 81 is achieved by removing the upper cover 4 from the frame 2 and electrically connecting the split connector 83 at one end of the electrical wire 82 of the expansion section 8 to the exposed split connector 121, thereby supplying power to the electronic component housed in the expansion electrical junction box 81 and electrically connected to the other end of the electrical wire. In this way, the connection structure 100 between the electrical junction box 1 and the expansion electrical junction box 81 in this embodiment allows the expansion electrical junction box 81 to easily supply power from the electrical junction box 1 via the electrical wire 82.

<Other forms>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. Furthermore, the material, shape, size, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

The connection structure between an electrical junction box and an expansion electrical junction box according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

In the above embodiment, the wire 82 of the extension section 8 is provided with a split connector 83, whereas in other embodiments, the wire 82 of the extension section 8a is provided with a connector 83a.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the split connector 83 is connected to the split connector 121 of the holding portion 12, and a fusible link FL is attached to the connector consisting of the split connector 121 and the split connector 83.

On the other hand, in another embodiment, the connector 83a is connected to a connector 121a provided in the internal space of the electrical junction box 1 (the space that houses the component R) (see particularly Figure 10(b)). When the connector 83a of the extension portion 8a is connected to the connector 121a, the fusible link FL is housed in the electrical junction box 1. The connector 121a and the fusible link FL are electrically connected via an electric wire W. The electric wire W is routed in the space below the holding portion 12. In this way, the connector 121a of the electrical junction box 1, the connector 83a of the extension portion 8a, and the fusible link FL are electrically connected.

Other than the above-mentioned points, the above embodiment and other embodiments are configured in the same manner.
The above is a description of another embodiment.

Here, the features of the embodiments of the electrical junction box according to the present invention and the connection structure between the electrical junction box and the expansion electrical junction box will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [4].
[1]
An electrical connection box (1) having a storage space capable of storing electronic components,
a box-shaped first resin body (frame 2) having an opening on the upper side in the vertical direction when the electrical connection box (1) is installed;
a second resin body (upper cover 4) that is removably attached to the first resin body (frame 2) to cover the opening,
The first resin body (frame 2) has a power supply section (split connector 121, connector 121a) that supplies power to an expansion electrical junction box (81) located outside the accommodation space,
The power supply unit (split connector 121, connector 121a) is
When the second resin body (upper cover 4) is removed from the first resin body (frame 2), the second resin body (upper cover 4) is exposed to the outside.
Electrical junction box (1).
[2]
In the electrical connection box (1) described in [1] above,
The first resin body (frame 2) is provided with a removable lid portion (16),
The electrical connection box (1) comprises:
When the cover portion (16) is removed from the first resin body (frame 2), a communication portion (17) is defined that connects the inside of the storage space with the outside.
Electrical junction box (1).
[3]
In the electrical connection box (1) described in [2] above,
a third resin body (side cover 5) detachably assembled to the first resin body (frame 2);
The first resin body (frame 2) is
a peripheral wall (side wall portion 11) in a direction intersecting the vertical direction has a groove shape recessed inward, and has an assembly receiving portion (13) to which the third resin body (side cover 5) is assembled;
A communication portion (17) recessed so as to be spaced apart from the third resin body (side cover 5) is provided on the groove inner wall (15) of the mounting portion (13).
Electrical junction box (1).
[4]
The electrical connection box (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [3],
an expansion electrical connection box (81) in which electronic components are housed;
and an electric wire (82) having one end connected to the power supply unit (split connector 121) and the other end connected to the electronic components of the expansion electric junction box (81).
A connection structure (100) between an electric junction box (1) and an expansion electric junction box (81).

1 Electrical junction box 2 Frame (first resin body)
3 Lower cover 4 Upper cover (second resin body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Side cover 6, 7, 9 Electric wire pull-out hole 8, 8a Expansion portion 11, 31, 41 Side wall portion 12 Holding portion 13 Mounted portion 14, 33 Locking piece 15 Groove inner wall 16 Lid portion 17 Communication portion 18, 19, 52 Locked portion 21 Stay portion 23, 24, 35, 36 Gutter-shaped portion 32 Bottom wall portion 34 Recessed portion 42 Upper wall portion 43 Locking portion 51 Main body portion 53 Semi-cylindrical portion 81 Expansion electrical junction box 82, W Electric wire 83 Split connector 83a Connector 84, 123 Terminal portion 85, 122 Box-shaped portion 91 Hole portion 100 Connection structure 121 Split connector (power supply portion)
121a Connector (power supply unit)
124 Locking part BS Bus bar FL Fusible link R Part

Claims (3)

An electrical connection box having a storage space capable of storing electronic components,
a box-shaped first resin body having an opening on an upper side in a vertical direction when the electrical junction box is installed;
a second resin body that is removably attached to the first resin body and covers the opening,
the first resin body has a power supply portion that supplies power to an expansion electrical junction box located outside the electrical junction box ,
The power supply unit
When the second resin body is detached from the first resin body, the second resin body is exposed to the outside,
a third resin body detachably assembled to the first resin body,
The first resin body is
a mounting portion having a groove shape recessed toward the inside of the electrical connection box in a part of a peripheral wall that defines the housing space, the mounting portion defining a second housing space in which the third resin body is housed,
a communicating portion having a groove shape recessed so as to be away from the second accommodating space is provided in a part of an inner wall of a groove of the mounting portion that defines the second accommodating space, and the communicating portion connects the inside of the groove of the communicating portion and the second accommodating space via an opening of the communicating portion;
One end of the communication portion communicates with the accommodation space, and the other end of the communication portion communicates with the outside of the electrical connection box,
When the third resin body is accommodated in the second accommodation space, the opening of the communication portion is blocked by a part of an outer wall of the third resin body.
Electrical junction box. The electrical junction box according to claim 1,
a removable cover portion is provided on the communication portion of the first resin body,
The electrical junction box is
When the cover portion is removed from the communication portion of the first resin body, the accommodation space communicates with the outside of the electrical junction box via the communication portion .
Electrical junction box. The electrical junction box according to claim 1 or 2 ;
an expansion electrical junction box in which electronic components are housed;
an electric wire having one end connected to the power supply unit and the other end connected to the electronic component of the extension electric junction box , and a portion between the one end and the other end being inserted into the communication portion;
A connection structure between an electric junction box and an expansion electric junction box.