terminal cover

Abstract

A terminal cover (1) is provided with: a terminal protection body (10) having an opening portion (11) opened upward; an electric wire protection portion (20) provided continuously rearward of the terminal protection body (10); and a cover body (30) coupled to a front end of the electric wire protection portion (20) via a hinge (26), capable of opening and closing the opening portion (11) from above, and provided upwardly extending on an upper surface (21) of the electric wire protection portion (20), the cover body (30) is provided with a protruding portion (32) and an enclosing portion (33), in a closed state in which the opening portion (11) is closed, the protruding portion (32) protrudes upwardly than the upper surface (21) of the electric wire protection portion (20), the enclosing portion (33) is provided continuously downwardly than the protruding portion (32) and enlarged outwardly than the protruding portion (32), a locking portion (35) is provided on the protruding portion (32), the locking portion (35) is abutted by the locking wall (22), and the locking projection (23) and the locking portion (35) are locked, thereby maintaining the cover body (30) in an open state in which the opening portion (11) is open, in the open state, the locking wall (22) covers in a manner that the locking portion (35) is not exposed to the outside, and the enclosing portion (33) covers in a manner that the locking projection (23) is not exposed to the outside.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal cover. BACKGROUND

[0002] The terminal cover of the present disclosure is used for the purpose of protecting a terminal connection portion of a machine such as a battery, an alternator, a starter, and the like, which is mainly mounted on a vehicle. Generally, such a terminal cover is not installed after the terminal bolt is tightened to the vehicle-mounted machine in the assembly process of the vehicle, but is manufactured at the manufacturer of the wire harness in a state in which the terminal cover is inserted through the terminal-attached electric wire, and is incorporated into the assembly line of the vehicle. Also, in the connection process in which the terminal is connected to the vehicle-mounted machine, a portion of the terminal cover is opened to expose the connection portion of the terminal, and after the terminal bolt and the nut are tightened, the terminal cover is closed to protect the terminal. In order to further smoothly perform the above-described connection process, it is desirable that the terminal-attached electric wire with the terminal cover installed thereon is temporarily stopped in a state in which the terminal cover exposes the connection portion of the terminal, and is transported to the assembly line of the vehicle.

[0003] In the past, as an example of such a terminal cover, a terminal cover described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-96863 (Patent Literature 1) is known. The terminal cover has a cover portion composed of a cover main body that houses an electric wire and is installed on a terminal post side, and a protection opening and closing body that is coupled to the cover portion via a hinge. A temporary stopping protrusion is provided on the cover portion, and a stopping hole that engages with the temporary stopping protrusion is provided on the protection opening and closing body. The protection opening and closing body is temporarily stopped on the cover portion in an open state.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-96863 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the terminal cover described in Patent Literature 1, the temporary stopping protrusion that engages with the stopping hole in the open state is exposed to the outside. Therefore, for example, when the terminal-attached electric wire with the terminal cover installed thereon is transported, it is possible that the temporary stopping is released by an external force, and thus the open state is released.

[0009] The present disclosure is completed based on the above-described situation, with the aim of providing a terminal cover in which the open state is difficult to release by an external force.

[0010] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] The terminal cover disclosed herein comprises: a terminal protection body having an opening at the top; a wire protection portion disposed continuously rearward from the terminal protection body; and a cover body that is hinged to the front end of the wire protection portion and is capable of opening and closing the opening from the top. A locking wall is provided extending upward from the upper surface of the wire protection portion, the locking wall having a locking protrusion. The cover body has a protrusion and a surrounding portion. In a closed state where the opening is closed, the protrusion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the wire protection portion, the surrounding portion is disposed continuously downward from the protrusion and expands outward from the protrusion, a locking portion is provided on the protrusion, the locking wall abuts against the protrusion, and the locking protrusion and the locking portion lock together, thereby keeping the cover body in an open state where the opening is open. In the open state, the locking wall covers the opening so that the locking portion is not exposed to the outside, and the surrounding portion covers the opening so that the locking protrusion is not exposed to the outside.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, a terminal cover that is difficult to release from its open state by external force can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the terminal cover in its closed state according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the terminal cover in its open state according to the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 CC section view.

[0019] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A magnified view of the area around the card-stopping protrusion.

[0020] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 Enlarged 3D view of the DD section.

[0021] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Enlarged view of the periphery of the thin-walled section.

[0022] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 4An enlarged view of the periphery of the cover in the E-E cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] [Explanation of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0024] First, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0025] (1) A terminal cover according to the present disclosure includes: a terminal protection body having an opening portion with an opening on an upper side; a wire protection portion provided continuously with the terminal protection body toward a rear side; and a cover body coupled with a front end of the wire protection portion via a hinge and capable of opening and closing the opening portion from the upper side, a locking wall is provided on an upper surface of the wire protection portion so as to extend upward, the locking wall includes a locking protrusion, the cover body includes a protruding portion and an enclosing portion, in a closed state in which the opening portion is closed, the protruding portion protrudes upward more than the upper surface of the wire protection portion, the enclosing portion is provided continuously downward more than the protruding portion and expands outward more than the protruding portion, a locking portion is provided on the protruding portion, the locking wall abuts against the protruding portion, and the locking protrusion and the locking portion are locked, thereby holding the cover body in an open state in which the opening portion is open, in the open state, the locking wall covers the locking portion so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the enclosing portion covers the locking protrusion so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0026] According to such a structure, in the open state, the locking portion and the locking protrusion are not exposed to the outside, and thus it is difficult to release the open state by an external force.

[0027] (2) Preferably, the locking wall is provided in a pair in a left-right opposing manner.

[0028] According to such a structure, by inserting the protruding portion between the pair of locking walls and locking the locking portion and the locking protrusion, it is difficult to release the open state by an external force.

[0029] (3) Preferably, a first tapered surface that is inclined more toward the front as it goes upward is provided in the vicinity of the hinge of the wire protection portion, a second tapered surface that is inclined more toward the front as it goes upward is provided on a front end of the protruding portion in the open state, and the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface can be engaged by sliding the cover body in the open state toward the front.

[0030] According to such a structure, by sliding the cover body in the open state toward the front so that the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface are engaged, a force for moving the cover body upward with respect to the wire protection portion is generated, and thus it is easy to manually release the open state.

[0031] (4) Preferably, a third taper surface is provided at the rear end of the locking protrusion, and the third taper surface is inclined so as to approach the locking wall more as it goes toward the rear.

[0032] According to such a structure, by sliding the cover in the open state forward so that the locking protrusion straddles the side surface of the protrusion, the locking of the locking portion and the locking protrusion is easily released, so the open state is easily manually released.

[0033] (5) Preferably, in the open state, a fourth taper surface is provided below and behind the locking portion of the protrusion, and the fourth taper surface is provided so as to become a thick wall more as it goes downward, and by sliding the cover in the open state forward so that the locking protrusion and the fourth taper surface can be engaged.

[0034] According to such a structure, by sliding the cover in the open state forward so that the locking protrusion straddles the side surface of the protrusion, the locking of the locking portion and the locking protrusion is easily released, so the open state is easily manually released.

[0035] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

[0037] [Embodiments]

[0038] While referring to Figures 1 to 9 Embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

[0039] [Terminal Cover]

[0040] The terminal cover 1 of the present embodiment is composed of an insulating synthetic resin. As shown in Figure 2 , the terminal cover 1 is used as a protection member that fastens the terminal 2 to the fastening portion of the terminal post 3 using a fastening member 4 such as a nut. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the terminal cover 1 has a terminal protection body 10 having an opening portion 11, a wire protection portion 20 provided continuously with the terminal protection body 10, and a cover 30 that can open and close the opening portion 11. In the following description, the length direction of the terminal cover 1 is taken as the front-rear direction, the wire protection portion 20 is disposed behind the terminal protection body 10, and the opening portion 11 of the terminal protection body 10 is open upward.

[0041] [Terminal Protection Body, Opening Portion]

[0042] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the terminal protection body 10 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 12 that opens vertically. The upper opening of the peripheral wall 12 of the terminal protection body 10 is formed by an opening portion 11. Figure 1 As shown, the opening 11 is closed by a dome-shaped cover 30. Thus, the opening 11 is closed when it is sealed by the cover 30. In the closed state, as... Figure 3 As shown, a pair of locking tabs 13 disposed on the peripheral wall 12 of the terminal protection body 10 and a pair of locking protrusions 31 disposed on the cover 30 are engaged. The lower opening of the peripheral wall 12 of the terminal protection body 10 can receive the terminal post 3.

[0043] [Electrical cable protection section, locking wall, locking protrusion, third cone surface]

[0044] The wire protection section 20 is cylindrical and open in the front-to-back direction. The wire protection section 20 is connected via... Figure 4 The hinge 20H shown serves as a pivot, allowing the upper wire protection part 20U to rotate relative to the lower wire protection part 20L, and causing... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The locking protrusion 20A and locking arm 20B shown are engaged to form a locking mechanism. Figure 4 As shown, the wire protection section 20 has a pair of left and right side walls 28 and a top wall 29 connecting the upper ends of the side walls 28 to each other. Figure 1 As shown, a pair of locking walls 22 are provided extending upwards on the front half of the upper surface 21 of the wire protection section 20. The pair of locking walls 22 are located at the left and right ends of the top wall 29 of the wire protection section 20. Figure 4 As shown, each locking wall 22 is arranged opposite and parallel to each other by having a pair of side walls 28 protrude above the upper surface 21 of the top wall 29. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of locking protrusions 23 are provided on the inner surfaces of a pair of locking walls 22. The locking protrusions 23 are formed protruding in a left-right direction (the direction in which the pair of locking walls 22 are opposite to each other). Figure 6 As shown, a third conical surface 24 is provided at the rear end of the locking protrusion 23. The third conical surface 24 is inclined in such a way that it gets closer to the locking wall 22 as it moves towards the rear.

[0045] [Hinge, First Conical Surface]

[0046] like Figure 9 As shown, a release auxiliary wall 25 is provided protruding upward from the front end of the top wall 29 of the wire protection section 20. The release auxiliary wall 25 is connected to the cover 30 by a flexible hinge 26. A first conical surface 27 is provided on the upper side of the release auxiliary wall 25. The first conical surface 27 is inclined in a manner that the higher it is, the more it is inclined forward.

[0047] [Cover, protrusion, surrounding part, second conical surface]

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 30 can rotate about the hinge 26 and remain in a closed state. Figure 1 ) and the open state of the opening 11 ( Figure 2 The cover 30 has a protrusion 32 and a surrounding portion 33. In the closed state, the protrusion 32 protrudes upward above the upper surface 21 of the wire protection portion 20, and the surrounding portion 33 is continuously provided downward below the protrusion 32. The protrusion 32 forms the upper part of the cover 30 and has a peripheral wall 32A. Figure 3 As shown, the surrounding portion 33 is formed to expand outward from the peripheral wall 32A. (As indicated...) Figure 9 As shown, in the open state, a second conical surface 36 is provided at the front end of the protrusion 32. The second conical surface 36 is inclined in a manner that the higher it is, the more it is inclined forward.

[0049] [Locking part, fourth cone surface]

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, a thin-walled portion 34, a portion of the peripheral wall 32A, is formed in the protrusion 32. (As shown...) Figure 4 As shown, in the open state, a pair of thin-walled portions 34 are arranged opposite to a pair of locking walls 22. Figure 8 As shown, in the open state, a locking portion 35 is provided in the front half of the thin-walled portion 34. Figure 5 As shown, in the open state, the protrusion 32 is embedded between a pair of retaining walls 22, and the peripheral wall 32A and the pair of retaining walls 22 abut against each other in the left-right direction. Additionally, as... Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the locking part 35 locks into the locking protrusion 23 from below. Figure 8 As shown, in the open state, a fourth conical surface 37 is provided on the rear half of the thin-walled portion 34. The fourth conical surface 37 is recessed from the locking portion 35. The fourth conical surface 37 is inclined such that the peripheral wall 32A of the protrusion 32 becomes thicker towards the lower surface. The upper edge of the fourth conical surface 37 is connected to the thin-walled portion 34 at the same height as the locking portion 35.

[0051] In the above structure, in the open state, such as Figure 4 As shown, the locking wall 22 covers the locking portion 35 so that it is not exposed to the outside. Additionally, the surrounding portion 33 covers the locking protrusion 23 so that it is not exposed to the outside. That is, in the open state, neither the locking portion 35 nor the locking protrusion 23 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, external forces are difficult to directly apply to the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23. Thus, for example, during transport, it is difficult to disengage the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23 by external force, and the open state can be stably maintained.

[0052] Further, in the above-described structure, by sliding the lid 30 in the open state to the front, the manual release of the open state becomes easy as described below. Further, the length of the hinge 26 in the front-rear direction in the closed state is set to a degree that allows the lid 30 to slide to the front with a margin.

[0053] When the lid 30 in the open state is moved to the front, the lid 30 is pressed to the front and also moved upward by the engagement of the first taper 27 and the second taper 36, and thus the open state is easily released. Figure 6 In this case, the lid 30 is pressed to the front and also moved upward by the engagement of the first taper 27 and the second taper 36, and thus the open state is easily released.

[0054] Further, when the lid 30 in the open state is slid to the front, the lid 30 is pressed to the front and also moved upward by the engagement of the first taper 27 and the second taper 36, and thus the open state is easily released. Figure 9 In this case, the lid 30 is pressed to the front and also moved upward by the engagement of the first taper 27 and the second taper 36, and thus the open state is easily released.

[0055] Further, when the lid 30 in the open state is moved to the front and upward, the locking protrusion 23 engages with the fourth taper 37, and easily crosses the upper wall 32A. Thus, the open state is also easily released. Figure 8 In this case, the lid 30 is pressed to the front and also moved upward by the engagement of the first taper 27 and the second taper 36, and thus the open state is easily released.

[0056] [Effects of the Present Embodiment]

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0058] The terminal cover 1 of the present embodiment includes a terminal protection body 10 having an opening 11 that is open upward, a wire protection body 20 that is provided continuously with the terminal protection body 10 to the rear, and a lid 30 that is coupled to the front end of the wire protection body 20 via a hinge 26 and is openable and closable to the opening 11 from above. An upper surface 21 of the wire protection body 20 is provided with a locking wall 22 that extends upward, and the locking wall 22 includes a locking protrusion 23. The lid 30 includes a protruding portion 32 that protrudes upward more than the upper surface 21 of the wire protection body 20 in a closed state in which the opening 11 is closed, and a surrounding portion 33 that is provided continuously with the protruding portion 32 to a lower side and expands to an outer side more than the protruding portion 32. A locking portion 35 is provided to the protruding portion 32, and the locking wall 22 abuts against the protruding portion 32, and the locking protrusion 23 and the locking portion 35 are locked, thereby holding the lid 30 in an open state in which the opening 11 is open. In the open state, the locking wall 22 covers the locking portion 35 so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the surrounding portion 33 covers the locking protrusion 23 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0059] According to the above-described structure, in the open state, the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23 are not exposed to the outside, and thus the open state is difficult to be released by an external force, for example, at the time of carrying.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the locking wall 22 is provided in a pair in a left-right opposing manner.

[0061] According to the above-described structure, by fitting the protrusion 32 between the pair of locking walls 22, and locking by the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23, it is difficult to release the open state by an external force.

[0062] In the present embodiment, a first taper surface 27 that is inclined in a manner that the more upward the more forward is provided near the hinge 26 of the electric wire protection portion 20, and a second taper surface 36 that is inclined in a manner that the more upward the more forward is provided at the front end of the protrusion 32 in the open state, by sliding the cover 30 in the open state in the forward direction, the first taper surface 27 and the second taper surface 36 can be engaged.

[0063] According to the above-described structure, by sliding the cover 30 in the open state in the forward direction, the first taper surface 27 and the second taper surface 36 are engaged, a force that moves the cover 30 upward with respect to the electric wire protection portion 20 is generated, and thus it is easy to manually release the open state.

[0064] In the present embodiment, a third taper surface 24 that is inclined in a manner that the more rearward the closer to the locking wall 22 is provided at the rear end of the locking protrusion 23.

[0065] According to the above-described structure, by sliding the cover 30 in the open state in the forward direction, the locking protrusion 23 is passed over the side surface of the protrusion 32, and the locking of the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23 is easily released, and thus it is easy to manually release the open state.

[0066] In the present embodiment, a fourth taper surface 37 that is provided in a manner that the more downward the thicker the protrusion 32 becomes is provided rearward and downward of the locking portion 35 of the protrusion 32 in the open state, by sliding the cover 30 in the open state in the forward direction, the locking protrusion 23 and the fourth taper surface 37 can be engaged.

[0067] According to the above-described structure, by sliding the cover 30 in the open state in the forward direction, the locking protrusion 23 is passed over the side surface of the protrusion 32, and the locking of the locking portion 35 and the locking protrusion 23 is easily released, and thus it is easy to manually release the open state.

[0068] <Other Embodiments>

[0069] (1) In the present embodiment, a structure in which a pair of locking walls 22 is provided on the upper surface 21 of the electric wire protection portion 20 is provided, but is not limited thereto, and the position and number of the locking walls can be changed, and for example, a structure in which the following can be provided.

[0070] (1a) The structure in which one locking wall is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the electric wire protection portion, and in the open state, the locking wall abuts against the protruding portion from the rear.

[0071] (1b) The structure in which three locking walls are provided at the left and right and rear of the upper surface of the electric wire protection portion.

[0072] (1c) The structure in which one locking wall is provided which, in the open state, abuts in a manner surrounding the left and right to the rear of the protruding portion, and the locking wall has a plurality of locking protrusions.

[0073] (2) In the embodiment, the structure having a plurality of tapered surfaces for improving the release property in the open state is provided, but is not limited thereto, and some or all of the tapered surfaces can not be provided.

[0074] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1: Terminal cover

[0076] 2: Terminal

[0077] 3: Terminal post

[0078] 4: Fastening member

[0079] 10: Terminal protection body

[0080] 11: Opening portion

[0081] 12, 32A: Peripheral wall

[0082] 13: Locking piece

[0083] 20: Electric wire protection portion

[0084] 20A: Locking protrusion

[0085] 20B: Locking arm

[0086] 20H, 26: Hinge

[0087] 20L: Lower electric wire protection portion

[0088] 20U: Upper electric wire protection portion

[0089] 21: Upper surface

[0090] 22: Locking wall

[0091] 23: Locking protrusion

[0092] 24: Third tapered surface

[0093] 25: Release auxiliary wall

[0094] 27: First tapered surface

[0095] 28: side wall

[0096] 29: top wall

[0097] 30: cover

[0098] 31: locking protrusion

[0099] 32: protrusion

[0100] 33: surrounding portion

[0101] 34: thin wall portion

[0102] 35: locking portion

[0103] 36: second tapered surface

[0104] 37: fourth tapered surface

Claims

1. A terminal cover comprising: a terminal protection body having an opening at the top; a wire protection portion disposed rearwardly continuous with the terminal protection body; and a cover body connected to the front end of the wire protection portion via a hinge, and capable of opening and closing the opening at the top. A locking wall is provided extending upward from the upper surface of the wire protection part, and the locking wall has locking protrusions. The cover has a protrusion and a surrounding portion. In the closed state where the opening is closed, the protrusion protrudes upward beyond the upper surface of the wire protection portion, and the surrounding portion is continuously disposed downward beyond the protrusion and expands outward beyond the protrusion. A locking part is provided on the protrusion. The cover is held in an open state with the opening open by the locking wall abutting against the protrusion and the locking protrusion engaging with the locking part. In the open state, the locking wall covers the locking portion in a manner that prevents it from being exposed to the outside, and the surrounding portion covers the locking protrusion in a manner that prevents it from being exposed to the outside.

2. The terminal cover according to claim 1, wherein, The locking walls are arranged in a pair, facing each other from left to right.

3. The terminal cover according to claim 2, wherein, A first conical surface is provided in the vicinity of the hinge of the wire protection part, which is inclined in a manner that the upward direction is more forward-facing. In the open state, a second conical surface is provided at the front end of the protrusion, which is inclined in a manner that the more it faces upwards, the more it faces forwards. By sliding the cover, which is in the open state, forward, the first conical surface and the second conical surface can engage.

4. The terminal cover according to claim 3, wherein, A third conical surface is provided at the rear end of the locking protrusion. The third conical surface is inclined in a manner that the further back it is, the closer it is to the locking wall.

5. The terminal cover according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein, In the open state, a fourth conical surface is provided behind and below the locking portion of the protrusion, such that the protrusion becomes thicker as it faces downwards. By sliding the cover, which is in the open state, forward, the locking protrusion and the fourth conical surface can engage.

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