Automotive Junction Block
An automotive junction block is an invention that is fitted into automobiles to distribute electrical power to various other systems in the vehicle. The junction block essentially provides the main point for all wiring connections from the interior lighting, instrument panel and rear window wiper features. The junction block eliminates having to wire connections between modules, thus providing high reliability.
The electrical junction block in an automobile comprises a housing system with lower and upper housing segments, a multi-layer busbar, planar, and a printed circuit board called the PCB. The upper and lower housing segments fit together in a mating fashion in order to enclose the busbar and PCB and to keep them parallel and electronically insulated to one another.
The busbar itself has a number of layers, which are electrically conductive. Each of these layers carry varying levels of electrical current. Relays, wiring harnesses, fuses and other types of constituents of the electrical system of the vehicle are all electronically connected with the help of the terminals, which extend from the electronically conductive busbar layers and pass through the openings in the housing system.
Systems such as power window control units, headlight control units, window defoggers and other optional automotive vehicle accessories require an electronic circuit to function. The printed circuit board (PCB) contains the circuitry required to control several of these kinds of electrical systems.
The electronic circuit unit needed here couples with a repository that is formed on the outer part of the Junction block enclosure where busbar terminals extend from the housing and pass through one of the “coupling” openings in the electronic circuit so as to achieve electrical connection with the circuit enclosed within. The extension or the busbar terminal then completely extends through the circuit unit and sticks out from the other side.
Therefore, the junction block ideally allows and enables additional wiring circuits to be connected safely to the automobile's electrical system. Hook, spade or ring type terminals fit perfectly in the junction block.
The printed circuit board and the busbar are electrically insulated and both the components can be connected electrically with external components. In order to reduce the number of electrical interfaces and components that are required for power distribution to the different electrical systems of an automobile, and the number of electrically conductive layers that make up the busbar, you can place the PCB inside of the housing unit of the junction block and supply it with power from an alternative source that is different from the busbar.
This electrical automotive junction block may also comprise one or even more PCB connection terminals that enable the PCB circuitry to have connections from either side of the junction block. This increases the flexibility of the design of the layout of the vehicle electrical system and electrical junction block.
The assembly of a junction block is quite simple. A junction block assembly includes a junction block holding at least two first connectors, and at least two second connectors that mate with the first connectors. The junction block is secured to the structure of the vehicle by passing threaded fasteners through mounting tabs, and is typically installed in a location that is relatively easy to access from within the automobile’s passenger compartment. This could be from beneath the dashboard, so that it may be serviced as necessary, for example, in order to perhaps replace blown fuses.
Many automotive vehicles currently make great use of an electrical junction block for the effective distribution of electric power from the automobile alternator and battery to the various electrical systems of the vehicle. This junction block is undoubtedly one of the top quality items that are readily available in many electrical accessories stores.
