Electrical connection box

Abstract

An electrical connection box is an electrical connection box for a vehicle, which has a bus bar that contacts a terminal (70) exposed from a through hole (31) of a housing, and a cover that covers the terminal and the bus bar from the other side of the bus bar, the cover being provided to a wall (30) of the housing in a rotatable manner, the electrical connection box having an open retaining portion (332) that retains the cover in an open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrical connection box for a vehicle equipped with a busbar.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2021-30255, filed on February 26, 2021, and invokes all the contents set forth in that Japanese application. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, electrical connection boxes with busbars for conducting relatively large currents were installed in vehicles. In recent years, as vehicle functions have expanded, the current flowing in the busbars has also been increasing.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses an electrical connection box having a housing with an openable and closable cover, which allows a busbar to be installed inside the housing by opening the cover, and after the busbar is installed, the cover can be closed.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-181908. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an electrical connection box for vehicles, which includes a busbar with one side in contact with a terminal exposed through a hole in the housing and a cover covering the terminal and the busbar from the other side of the busbar. The cover is rotatably disposed on one wall of the housing, and the electrical connection box includes an opening retaining part for holding the cover in an open state. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view showing the state in which a busbar is connected to the terminals of the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1 with the cover fully open.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1 with the cover fully open.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view at the VV line.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1 with the cover closed.

[0015] Figure 7 It means from Figure 4 A top view omitting the cover.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the case where the cover of the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 1 is in the open state.

[0017] Figure 9 From Figure 8 The side view of the electrical connection box, viewed in the direction of the solid black arrow.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box in Embodiment 2 with the cover fully open.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box in Embodiment 3 with the cover closed.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the case where the cover of the electrical connection box according to Embodiment 3 is in the open state. Detailed Implementation

[0021] [The problem this disclosure aims to solve]

[0022] Most electrical connection boxes have terminals exposed on the outside through through holes in the housing, allowing a busbar to be connected to the terminals from the outside of the housing. Additionally, to prevent malfunctions caused by exposed terminals, a cover is provided to cover the terminals.

[0023] On the other hand, when the assembly operation of connecting the busbar to the terminal is performed with the cover closed, the operator needs to perform the troublesome action of opening the cover before the assembly operation.

[0024] In addition, if an operator opens the cover to check the connection status of terminals and busbars but forgets to close the cover afterwards, the terminals may be exposed, which could lead to electric shock, leakage, or short circuit.

[0025] However, the electrical equipment described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the situation where the terminals are exposed through the through holes in the housing, and such a problem cannot be solved because it is not considered.

[0026] Therefore, the objective is to provide an electrical connection box that can improve the workability of assembly operations and prevent situations where the cover is left on.

[0027] [The Effects of This Disclosure]

[0028] According to this disclosure, an electrical connection box can be provided that improves the workability of assembly operations and prevents situations where the cover is left on.

[0029] [Description of embodiments of the present invention]

[0030] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of example. Additionally, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0031] (1) Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an electrical connection box for vehicles, which has a busbar with one side in contact with a terminal exposed through a hole in the housing and a cover covering the terminal and the busbar from the other side of the busbar. The cover is rotatably disposed on one wall of the housing, and the electrical connection box has an opening retaining part for holding the cover in an open state.

[0032] In this embodiment, since the cover is provided with an opening retaining part that keeps it in an open state, for example, when the operator rotates the cover to open it, the open state of the cover is maintained by the opening retaining part.

[0033] (2) The electrical connection box according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has a locking part, which is disposed on the cover and has a recess that engages with the opening retaining part when the cover is in the open state.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the cover is in the open state, the open retaining part engages with the recess. Therefore, the open state of the cover is maintained.

[0035] (3) In the electrical connection box of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a swing plate that can swing in the thickness direction of the wall, the swing plate having the opening holding part at the end and having a protrusion that abuts against the bus bar.

[0036] In this embodiment, the opening retaining portion is provided at the end of the swing piece, and the swing piece can swing in the thickness direction of the wall. When the busbar is placed on the terminal, the swing piece is pressed because the busbar abuts against the protrusion, and the engagement between the recess and the opening retaining portion is unlocked.

[0037] (4) In the electrical connection box of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a swing plate that can swing in the thickness direction of the wall, and a protrusion that abuts against the swing plate is provided on the bus bar.

[0038] In this embodiment, the opening retaining portion is provided at the end of the swing piece, and the swing piece can swing in the thickness direction of the wall. When the busbar is placed on the terminal, the swing piece is pressed because the protrusion of the busbar abuts against the swing piece, and at this time the engagement between the recess and the opening retaining portion is unlocked.

[0039] (5) In the electrical connection box of the embodiments of this disclosure, the cover has a cylindrical peripheral wall with one open side and a cover body that opens and closes one end of the peripheral wall.

[0040] In this embodiment, since the cover has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion and a cover body that opens and closes at one end of the peripheral wall portion, the operator can open and close the cover body as needed and check the connection status of the busbar and the terminal, etc.

[0041] (6) In the electrical connection box according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover is kept rotatable and has an elastic part that restricts rotation of the cover at a predetermined angle or more.

[0042] In this embodiment, because it has an elastic part that limits the rotation of the cover to a predetermined angle or more, for example, when the operator rotates the cover to open it, if the rotation exceeds the predetermined angle, the elastic part prevents further rotation, and the restoring force of the elastic part applies force in the direction of closing the cover.

[0043] (7) In the electrical connection box of the embodiments of this disclosure, a recess is formed at the position of the oscillating piece corresponding to the protrusion of the busbar.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the busbar is correctly mounted on the terminal, the protrusion of the busbar is inserted into the recess. That is, the recess guides the positioning of the busbar.

[0045] [Details of embodiments of the present invention]

[0046] Hereinafter, the electrical connection box according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications of the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0047] (Implementation Method 1)

[0048] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1. The electrical connection box 100 is a so-called vehicle junction box that houses various electronic components.

[0049] In this embodiment, for convenience, the "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" of the electrical connection box 100 are defined using the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions shown in the accompanying drawings. The following description will utilize these defined front-back, left-right, and up-down directions.

[0050] The electrical connection box 100 is, for example, installed on the outside of the battery pack of an EV (Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection box 100 includes, for example, a housing 50 that houses electrical components such as relays. The housing 50 is, for example, made of resin, metal, or the like.

[0051] The housing 50 is generally rectangular in plan view. The housing 50 has flat sections 511 formed by cutting open the four corners and the middle portion of the two long sides. That is, six flat sections 511 are formed in the housing 50, and a through hole 512 is formed in the center of each flat section 511. For example, by inserting a screw through the through hole 512 of the flat section 511 and screwing it into the screw hole of the EV's battery pack, the housing 50 (electrical connection box 100) can be mounted to the battery pack. Figure 1 Only four flat sections 511 are shown in the image.

[0052] The housing 50 has a top plate 30 (one wall), and a mounting part 9 for mounting electrical components such as relays is provided on the outer side of the top plate 30, and multiple connection parts 20 for connecting to external fuses, connectors, etc.

[0053] Additionally, two through holes 31 extending through the top plate 30 in the thickness direction are formed therein, through which the terminal 70 is exposed. A busbar 40 is fixed to the terminal 70 as described later. The terminal 70 is covered by the cover 10. Figure 1 The diagram of bus bar 40 is omitted.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view showing the state in which the busbar 40 is connected to the terminal 70 of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] Terminal 70 protrudes from the rectangular through-hole 31. Busbar 40 is mounted on terminal 70, with one side of busbar 40 contacting terminal 70. Bolt 60 passes through the through-hole (not shown) of busbar 40 and the through-hole 71 of terminal 70 (see reference). Figure 3 ) and the screw hole 72 on the side of housing 50 (refer to Figure 5 Screwed together. Thus, terminal 70 and busbar 40 are electrically connected.

[0056] Furthermore, the cover 10 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and covers the connection portion of the busbar 40 and the terminal 70 from the other side of the busbar 40. The cover 10 is rotatably mounted on the top plate 30. The cover 10 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall portion 1 and a cover body 2 with an opening at one end of the peripheral wall portion 1.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1 with the cover 10 fully open. Figure 4 This is a top view showing the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1 with the cover 10 fully open. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view at the VV line. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover 10 of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1 is closed. Figures 3 to 6 For convenience, the diagram of busbar 40 is omitted. Furthermore, for convenience, the state where cover 10 is fully open will be referred to as the open state, and the state where cover 10 is closed will be referred to as the closed state.

[0058] The peripheral wall portion 1 has a square cylindrical portion 11 surrounding the through hole 31 when closed. The square cylindrical portion 11 has one front wall open in a manner that allows the manifold 40 to enter and exit. A rib 111 is provided at approximately the middle of the inner surface of the square cylindrical portion 11 in the vertical direction. The rib 111 is provided to protrude vertically from the inner surface of the square cylindrical portion 11.

[0059] In the square cylindrical portion 11, two base portions 12 are provided on one of the two side walls adjacent to the first wall, spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The base portion 12 is located at one end of the side wall near the cover 2 and is formed into a shell shape with one side open. Two shaft engaging portions 13 are provided on the end face of each base portion 12 to engage with the first rotating shaft 38 described later.

[0060] Each shaft engagement portion 13 has a recess corresponding to the first rotating shaft 38. The two shaft engagement portions 13 are arranged to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction and in the vertical direction such that the open sides of their respective recesses face opposite sides.

[0061] In the front-rear direction, a cylindrical portion 14 (engaging portion) extending in the front-rear direction is provided between the two base portions 12. A recess 141 is formed in the middle of the cylindrical portion 14 in the front-rear direction. The recess 141 has a rectangular opening. The cylindrical portion 14 is configured such that when the cover 10 is closed, the recess 141 faces directly upward.

[0062] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 14 is disposed at a predetermined interval from one side wall of the square cylindrical portion 11. As described above, base portions 12 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the cylindrical portion 14, and the cylindrical portion 14 is disposed away from the side wall of the square cylindrical portion 11, thus forming a space 18 surrounded by the cylindrical portion 14, the two base portions 12, and the side wall of the square cylindrical portion 11. The space 18 is rectangular. In addition, the cylindrical portion 14, the shaft engaging portion 13, the base portion 12, and the square cylindrical portion 11 are integrally formed.

[0063] Furthermore, a locking recess 142, formed by cutting off the circumferential surface and extending in the front-rear direction, is provided in the cylindrical portion 14 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The locking recess 142 opens toward the space 18 and locks the locking claw 25, which will be described later.

[0064] Furthermore, in the square tube portion 11, four shaft support portions 16 are connected to the opposite side wall to support the second rotation shaft 27 (described later). The four shaft support portions 16 are located at one end of the opposite side wall near the cover 2, and are arranged in pairs spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Each shaft support portion 16 has a recess corresponding to the second rotation shaft 27. A pair of shaft support portions 16 are arranged to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction and to be spaced apart in the vertical direction such that the open sides of their respective recesses face opposite sides.

[0065] In the square tube portion 11, a locking claw 15 is provided at the center of the other end of the other side wall, which engages with the engaging portion 35 described later. The locking claw 15 is triangular in longitudinal section, and its lateral dimension increases as it approaches one end of the other side wall. Furthermore, on the other side wall, two guide ribs 17 protrude in the front-rear direction between a pair of shaft support portions 16 and the locking claw 15 to guide the engagement of the engaging portion 35 and the locking claw 15. The guide ribs 17 extend from one end of the other side wall toward the other end.

[0066] Additionally, on the top plate 30, two cuboid-shaped support seats 36 protrude near one side wall of the square cylindrical portion 11. The two support seats 36 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. This interval is larger than the front-rear dimension of the cylindrical portion 14.

[0067] Two support protrusions 37 are provided on the end face of each support base 36 to support the first rotating shaft 38. The two support protrusions 37 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and support both ends of the first rotating shaft 38. The first rotating shaft 38 is a generally cylindrical rod that is relatively long in the front-rear direction. The first rotating shaft 38 spans between the pair of support protrusions 37.

[0068] That is, each support base 36 is provided with a pair of support protrusions 37, and the pair of support protrusions 37 support a first rotating shaft 38. The support protrusions 37 and the first rotating shaft 38 are integrally formed.

[0069] The first rotating shaft 38 engages with the square tube portion 11 via a shaft engaging portion 13. Specifically, one first rotating shaft 38 engages with two shaft engaging portions 13.

[0070] As described above, each base 12 is provided with two shaft engaging portions 13, which are arranged vertically spaced apart with their respective recessed open sides facing opposite sides. A first rotating shaft 38 is clamped between the two shaft engaging portions 13 and is rotatably held by them. Therefore, the cover 10 (square cylindrical portion 11) rotates about the first rotating shaft 38 to open and close the connection between the terminal 70 and the busbar 40.

[0071] The cover 2 is rotatably mounted on the square cylindrical portion 11, and the opening at one end of the peripheral wall portion 1 is opened and closed by rotating the cover 2. Hereinafter, for convenience, the state in which the cover 2 is closed will be referred to as the closed state, and the state in which the cover 2 is not closed will be referred to as the open state.

[0072] The cover 2 has a rectangular bolt plate 21. The bolt plate 21 has a size approximately equal to the opening at one end of the peripheral wall portion 1. A guide rib 22 protrudes from the inner surface of the bolt plate 21. The guide rib 22 is provided at intervals from the edge of the bolt plate 21 and is internally connected to the square cylindrical portion 11 when the cover 2 is closed. That is, it guides the positioning of the bolt plate 21 when the cover 2 is closed.

[0073] An elastic part 26 is provided on one edge near the other side wall of the square cylindrical part 11 among the four edges of the bolt plate 21, which limits the rotation of the cover 2 (bolt plate 21) to a predetermined angle or more.

[0074] The elastic portion 26 has a cuboid-shaped base 262 extending from one edge of the bolt plate 21 and extending in the front-rear direction, and an elastic body 263 connected to the end face of the base 262. The elastic body 263 stands vertically from the end face of the base 262, and its end portion flexes toward the bolt plate 21. A through hole 261 is formed in the center of the elastic body 263.

[0075] Additionally, retaining ribs 28 for holding the second rotation shaft 27 are respectively provided at both ends of one edge of the bolt plate 21. Each retaining rib 28 extends toward the other end of the other side wall of the square tube portion 11.

[0076] A second rotating shaft 27 is provided between each retaining rib 28 and the base 262 of the elastic part 26. Each second rotating shaft 27 is a generally cylindrical rod that is longer in the front-rear direction and is provided at a predetermined interval from the other side wall of the square tube portion 11. Both ends of each second rotating shaft 27 are held by the retaining rib 28 and the base 262. The bolt plate 21, retaining rib 28, second rotating shaft 27 and elastic part 26 may also be integrally formed.

[0077] The second rotating shaft 27 is rotatably held in the shaft support portion 16 of the square tube portion 11. Specifically, one second rotating shaft 27 is held in two shaft support portions 16.

[0078] As described above, a pair of shaft support portions 16 are provided spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and the pair of shaft support portions 16 are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction with their respective open sides of the recess facing opposite sides. Each second rotating shaft 27 is clamped in front of the two shaft support portions 16 and is held by the two shaft support portions 16 in a rotatable manner. Therefore, the cover 2 (bolt plate 21) rotates about the second rotating shaft 27 to open and close the opening at one end of the peripheral wall portion 1.

[0079] Furthermore, in the bolt plate 21, a fitting elastic body 24 is provided on the other edge opposite to the first edge. The fitting elastic body 24 has a fitting portion 23 connected to the middle of the other edge of the bolt plate 21. The fitting portion 23 is a bent plate shape and is U-shaped in longitudinal section. A handle 241 is provided at the end of the outermost facing portion of the two facing portions of the fitting portion 23, which is farther from the bolt plate 21. The handle 241 is C-shaped in cross-section.

[0080] A locking claw 25 protrudes from the center of the outer side of the outer facing portion of the fitting portion 23, which engages with the locking recess 142 of the cylindrical portion 14. The locking claw 25 is triangular in longitudinal section, and its lateral dimension increases as it gets closer to the handle 241.

[0081] When the cover 2 rotates to the closed state, the fitting elastic body 24 is pressed into the space 18 of the square cylindrical portion 11. At this time, the outer facing portions of the fitting elastic body 24 face the cylindrical portion 14. During the pressing into the space 18, a reaction force acts at the fitting elastic body 24 in the opposite direction to the deflection direction. Therefore, if the fitting elastic body 24 is pressed into the space 18 until the locking claw 25 reaches the position of the locking recess 142, the locking claw 25 is locked into the locking recess 142. Thus, the cover 2 is in the closed state.

[0082] Figure 7 It means from Figure 4 The top view of the state of cover 10 is omitted.

[0083] A guide frame 32 protrudes from the top plate 30 around the edge of the through hole 31. The guide frame 32, like the square tube portion 11, is shaped as a square tube with one open front wall. When the cover 10 is closed, the guide frame 32 is inlaid with the square tube portion 11 and guides the cover 10. Furthermore, to avoid obstructing the swing of the swing piece 33 (described later), the central portion of the left side wall 321, which is inlaid with one side wall of the square tube portion 11, is cut off.

[0084] A swing piece 33 capable of swinging in the thickness direction of the top plate 30 is formed at the edge of the through hole 31. The swing piece 33 is formed at the edge of the through hole 31 near the opening of the guide frame 32 (hereinafter referred to as the edge near the opening) and at the edge of the through hole 31 near the left side wall 321 (hereinafter referred to as the edge near the left side wall).

[0085] In detail, the oscillating piece 33 is a crank-shaped component extending along the edge of the through hole 31 from the center portion of the open portion to the center portion of the left side wall edge, and passing through the notch of the left side wall 321 from the center portion of the left side wall edge. This crank-shaped portion is formed by cutting off the portion other than the center portion of the open portion. That is, the oscillating piece 33 is connected to the top plate 30 only at its base on the side of the center portion of the open portion. Therefore, the oscillating piece 33 can oscillate in the thickness direction of the top plate 30, and the amplitude of oscillation increases as it approaches the end portion (see reference). Figure 5 (arrow).

[0086] A contact protrusion 331 is provided on the bend of the swing plate 33 near the corner of the through hole 31. The contact protrusion 331 is positioned to abut against one side of the busbar 40 when the busbar 40 is placed on the terminal 70.

[0087] Additionally, an opening retaining part 332 is provided at the end of the swing plate 33 to hold the cover 10 in the open state. The opening retaining part 332 is hook-shaped in longitudinal section view, and its end extends perpendicularly to the top plate 30 (see reference). Figure 5 The opening retaining part 332 is disposed directly below the cylindrical part 14 in the vertical direction, and the end of the opening retaining part 332 is in elastic contact with the circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 14. That is, the opening retaining part 332 applies force to the cylindrical part 14.

[0088] As described above, the cylindrical portion 14 is configured such that when the cover 10 is closed, the recess 141 faces directly upward. In other words, when the cover 10 is open, the recess 141 faces directly downward. Furthermore, as described above, the opening retaining portion 332 applies force to the cylindrical portion 14.

[0089] Therefore, when the cover 10 is in the open state, the end of the opening retaining part 332 is inserted into the recess 141, and the opening retaining part 332 engages with the recess 141 (see reference). Figure 5 Thus, when the retaining part 332 is engaged with the recess 141, the rotation of the cover 10 is restricted, thus maintaining the open state of the cover 10.

[0090] On the other hand, as described above, a contact protrusion 331 is provided on the swing plate 33 at a position where it abuts against one side of the busbar 40 when the busbar 40 is placed on the terminal 70. Therefore, when the busbar 40 is placed on the terminal 70 and the busbar 40 is threadedly fastened to the housing 50 as described above, the contact protrusion 331 is pressed by the busbar 40. As described above, since the swing plate 33 can swing in the thickness direction of the top plate 30, when the contact protrusion 331 is pressed by the busbar 40, the swing plate 33 descends downward, i.e., towards the inside of the housing 50. Thus, when the swing plate 33 descends downward, the opening retaining portion 332 at the end of the swing plate 33 also descends downward, thereby unlocking the engagement between the opening retaining portion 332 and the recess 141. As a result, the cover 10 can be rotated.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a locking portion 35 protrudes from the top plate 30 near the other side wall of the square cylindrical portion 11 when the cover 10 is in the closed state. Furthermore, the locking portion 35 protrudes at a position corresponding to the locking claw 15. The locking portion 35 is in a generally inverted U-shape. The locking portion 35 has a through hole 351 in its central portion that extends through the locking portion 35 in a left-right direction.

[0092] When the cover 10 is in the closed state, as described above, the engaging claw 15 is embedded in the through hole 351 of the engaging portion 35. Thus, the engaging portion 35 and the engaging claw 15 engage to maintain the closed state of the cover 10.

[0093] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the case where the cover 2 of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1 is in the open state. Figure 9 This is a side view of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 From Figure 8 The side view of the electrical connection box 100, viewed in the direction of the solid black arrow.

[0094] With the cover 2 in the closed state, as described above, the locking claw 25 is locked in the locking recess 142 (see reference) by the reaction force of the fitting elastic body 24 (fitting part 23) in the direction opposite to the deflection direction. Figure 5The operator pulls the handle 241 of the fitting elastic body 24 in the direction of the bending of the fitting part 23, thereby unlocking the locking claw 25 and the locking recess 142, allowing the cover 2 to be opened. After that, the cover 2 can rotate freely.

[0095] In the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1, when the cover 2 is in the open state, the cover 2 is moved in the direction of increasing the opening angle θ (refer to...). Figure 9 When the opening angle θ reaches a predetermined angle during rotation (as indicated by the arrow direction), the elastic body 263 of the elastic part 26 collides with the engaged part 35. Here, the opening angle θ is the angle between one end of the square tube part 11 and the bolt plate 21 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0096] That is, before the opening angle θ reaches 90 degrees, the elastic body 263 collides with the engaging part 35, and the cover 2 can no longer rotate. In other words, the elastic part 26 restricts the cover 2 from rotating more than 90 degrees, that is, it restricts the cover 2 from rotating to an opening angle θ of more than 90 degrees. When the cover 2 has rotated more than 90 degrees, the elastic part 26 (elastic body 263) flexes, and therefore a restoring force is applied to the elastic body 263 to restore it to its original shape. That is, when the cover 2 has rotated more than 90 degrees, the elastic part 26 applies a force in the direction of closing the cover 2.

[0097] As described above, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1, the cover 10 is configured to rotate to open and close the connection portion between the terminal 70 and the busbar 40. Furthermore, when the cover 10 is in the open state, the opening retaining portion 332 engages with the recess 141, restricting the rotation of the cover 10 and maintaining the cover 10 in the open state. Additionally, when an operator places the busbar 40 onto the terminal 70 for assembly work to thread the busbar 40 onto the housing 50, the engagement between the opening retaining portion 332 and the recess 141 is released.

[0098] In other words, the cover 10 remains open until the operator places the busbar 40 onto the terminal 70. Therefore, when the electrical connection box 100, with the busbar 40 not connected to the terminal 70, is transported to the assembly operation, the cover 10 remains open. This eliminates the need for the operator performing the assembly operation to open the cover 10 before assembly. Consequently, the productivity of the electrical connection box 100 is improved.

[0099] Furthermore, by placing the busbar 40 on the terminal 70 during assembly, the engagement between the opening retaining part 332 and the recess 141 is released. Therefore, after assembly, the operator only needs to rotate the cover 10 to engage the locking claw 15 with the locked part 35 to close the cover 10.

[0100] Furthermore, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1, as described above, the elastic part 26 restricts the cover 2 from rotating by 90 degrees or more. When the cover 2 rotates by 90 degrees or more, the elastic part 26 applies force in the direction of closing the cover 2.

[0101] That is, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 1, when the operator releases their hand after rotating the cover 2 by less than 90 degrees, the cover 2 closes due to its own weight. On the other hand, when the operator releases their hand after rotating the cover 2 by more than 90 degrees, the cover 2 closes due to the elastic part 26. In other words, the cover 2 closes when the operator releases their hand, regardless of the angle at which the operator rotates the cover 2.

[0102] For example, an operator checks the connection status of terminal 70 and busbar 40 by opening cover 2. Afterward, as described above, cover 2 is closed, pressing the fitting elastomer 24 into space 18, thus closing cover 2. However, if the operator forgets to close cover 2, terminal 70 and busbar 40 may be exposed, potentially leading to electric shock, leakage, or short circuit.

[0103] In this regard, in the electrical connection box 100 according to embodiment 1, even if the operator forgets to close the cover 2, the cover 2 closes when the operator lets go, thus preventing the aforementioned adverse situation in advance.

[0104] (Implementation Method 2)

[0105] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2 with the cover 10 fully open. Figure 10 The illustration shows a busbar 40A connected to terminal 70. For convenience, the illustration shows the busbar 40A detached from terminal 70.

[0106] In the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2, similarly to Embodiment 1, the terminal 70 is exposed through the through hole 31 of the top plate 30, and a cover 10 is provided to cover the terminal 70. The cover 10 is configured to be rotatable and has a peripheral wall portion 1 and a cover body 2. The cover body 2 is configured to be rotatable to open and close one end opening of the peripheral wall portion 1.

[0107] In the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2, a rectangular abutment protrusion 41 is provided on the edge of one side of the busbar 40A, which abuts against the swing plate 33 in cross-section. That is, when the busbar 40A is placed on the terminal 70, the abutment protrusion 41 of the busbar 40A abuts against the swing plate 33.

[0108] Furthermore, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2, when the busbar 40A is placed on the terminal 70, a recess 334 is provided in the swing piece 33 at a position corresponding to the abutment protrusion 41 of the busbar 40A. The recess 334 is a rectangle larger than the abutment protrusion 41 in the top view.

[0109] In the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2, similarly to Embodiment 1, the cover 10 is kept open by engaging the retaining part 332 with the recess 141 until the operator places the busbar 40A on the terminal 70 for assembly work to thread the busbar 40A onto the housing 50. Therefore, when the electrical connection box 100, with the busbar 40A not connected to the terminal 70, is transported to the assembly work step, the cover 10 remains open. Thus, the operator performing the assembly work can be spared the action of opening the cover 10 before assembly, improving the productivity of the electrical connection box 100.

[0110] On the other hand, when the busbar 40A is placed on the terminal 70 during assembly, the abutment protrusion 41 of the busbar 40A inserts into the recess 334 of the swing plate 33, and the swing plate 33 is pressed by the busbar 40A. In this case, the swing plate 33 descends downward, that is, into the housing 50. At this time, since the opening retaining part 332 of the swing plate 33 also descends downward, the engagement between the opening retaining part 332 and the recess 141 is unlocked. Therefore, after the assembly operation, the operator can rotate the cover 10 to the closed state.

[0111] In addition, when the busbar 40A is mounted on the terminal 70, the abutment protrusion 41 of the busbar 40A is inserted into the recess 334 of the swing piece 33, thus guiding the proper positioning of the busbar 40A.

[0112] Furthermore, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 2, similarly to Embodiment 1, the cover 2 closes when the operator releases his hand, regardless of the angle at which the operator rotates the cover 2.

[0113] Therefore, in the electrical connection box 100 according to embodiment 2, even if the operator forgets to close the cover 2 after opening it, the cover 2 will close when the operator releases his hand, and the terminal 70 and busbar 40A will not be exposed on the outside, thus preventing adverse conditions such as electric shock, leakage and short circuit.

[0114] For parts that are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0115] (Implementation Method 3)

[0116] Figure 11This is a perspective view showing the closed state of the cover 10 in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the case where the cover 2 of the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 3 is in the open state. Figure 11 and Figure 12 For convenience, the diagram of bus bar 40 is omitted.

[0117] In the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 3, similarly to Embodiment 1, the terminal 70 is exposed through the through hole 31 of the top plate 30, and a cover 10 is provided to cover the terminal 70. The cover 10 is configured to be rotatable and has a peripheral wall portion 1 and a cover body 2. The cover body 2 is configured to be rotatable to open and close one end opening of the peripheral wall portion 1.

[0118] In the electrical connection box 100 according to embodiment 3, two retaining portions 29 for retaining the second rotating shaft 27 are provided on one edge of the bolt plate 21. The two retaining portions 29 are respectively provided between the center and both ends of the one edge of the bolt plate 21. Each retaining portion 29 has a base of approximately right-angled triangles extending from the one edge along the bolt plate 21. The two retaining portions 29 are arranged such that the hypotenuses of their respective bases face each other.

[0119] Each retaining part 29 is connected to a retaining bracket 291 for retaining the second rotating shaft 27 at the outer edge of the base. The retaining bracket 291 is in the shape of a generally rectangular plate and extends downward from the base. The two corners of the short side at the lower end of the retaining bracket 291 are chamfered.

[0120] The retaining brackets 291 face each other, and a second rotating shaft 27 in the shape of a round bar is mounted on the outer side of each retaining bracket 291. The second rotating shaft 27 is supported by the shaft support 19 described later so that it can rotate.

[0121] For example, the bolt plate 21, the retaining part 29 and the second rotating shaft 27 are integrally formed.

[0122] In the square tube portion 11, two shaft support portions 19 supporting the second rotation shaft 27 are provided on the opposite side wall facing the first side wall. The shaft support portions 19 are generally cuboid in shape and are provided on the opposite side wall of the square tube portion 11. Each shaft support portion 19 is provided at both ends in the front-rear direction on the opposite side wall of the square tube portion 11. The shaft support portions 19 extend from one end of the opposite side wall of the square tube portion 11 to the middle portion, and are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0123] Each shaft support portion 19 has a notch formed on its inner side and on its outer side opposite to the inner side. The notch formed on the inner side of the shaft support portion 19 (hereinafter referred to as the inner notch) extends from the upper end of the inner side to the middle portion, and the notch formed on the outer side of the shaft support portion 19 (hereinafter referred to as the outer notch) extends from the lower end of the outer side to the middle portion.

[0124] Each shaft support 19 has a circular through hole (not shown) that passes through the bottom of the inner notch and the bottom of the outer notch. Each second rotating shaft 27 is inserted into the through hole from the inner notch side of each shaft support 19 and is pulled out from the outer notch. That is, each second rotating shaft 27 is rotatably fitted into the through hole of its corresponding shaft support 19.

[0125] Furthermore, an elastic rib 191 (elastic portion) is provided on the inner side surface of each shaft support 19, below the inner notch, to guide the rotation of the retaining bracket 291. The elastic rib 191 extends along the width direction (left-right direction) of the shaft support 19. The elastic rib 191 is formed such that it gradually rises upwards, approaching the retaining bracket 291, as it moves away from the other side wall of the square tube portion 11. Only one end of the elastic rib 191 on the other side wall side is fixed to the shaft support 19, while the remaining portion is open. Therefore, the remaining portion of the elastic rib 191 can swing in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of approaching or moving away from the retaining bracket 291.

[0126] A swing limiting member 39 protrudes from the upper surface of the top plate 30 and below the elastic ribs 191 of each shaft support portion 19 to restrict the swinging of the elastic ribs 191. The swing limiting member 39 is L-shaped in the top view. The end face of the swing limiting member 39 is horizontal. When the elastic rib 191 swings, when it swings downwards relative to the horizontal, the bottom surface of the elastic rib 191 abuts against the end face of the swing limiting member 39. Therefore, the downward descent of the elastic rib 191 relative to the horizontal is restricted.

[0127] In the electrical connection box 100 according to embodiment 3 with such a structure, when the cover 2 is in the open state, the cover 2 is moved in the direction of increasing the opening angle θ (refer to...). Figure 9 When the opening angle θ reaches a predetermined angle during rotation (as indicated by the arrow), the side of the outer long side of the retainer 291 collides with the upper surface of the elastic rib 191. Here, the opening angle θ is the angle between one end of the square tube portion 11 and the bolt plate 21.

[0128] Specifically, before the opening angle θ reaches 90 degrees, the side of the retainer 291 collides with the elastic rib 191, preventing the cover 2 from rotating further (see reference). Figure 12(The dotted circle portion). In other words, the elastic rib 191 restricts the cover 2 from rotating more than 90 degrees, that is, it restricts the cover 2 from rotating until the opening angle θ becomes more than 90 degrees.

[0129] As the operator further rotates the cover 2, the end of the elastic rib 191 warps downward, thus exerting a restoring force in the direction of closing the cover 2. At this time, if the operator releases their hand from the cover 2, the restoring force of the elastic rib 191 closes the cover 2.

[0130] On the other hand, if the operator continues to rotate the cover 2 without stopping here, the bottom surface of the elastic rib 191 will abut against the end surface of the swing limiting member 39 as described above. Therefore, the limiting elastic rib 191 will descend to a position lower than horizontal, and the cover 2 will no longer be able to rotate.

[0131] Therefore, in the electrical connection box 100 according to Embodiment 3, similarly to Embodiment 1, even if the operator forgets to close the cover 2 after opening it, the cover 2 closes when the operator releases their hand, regardless of the rotation angle of the cover 2. Thus, the terminals 70 and busbar 40 are not exposed on the outside, preventing adverse conditions such as electric shock, leakage, and short circuits from occurring in advance.

[0132] For parts that are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0133] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing meaning, but is set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims.

[0134] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0135] 1. Peripheral section

[0136] 2. Cover

[0137] 9 Installation Department

[0138] 10 masks

[0139] 11 Square Tube Section

[0140] 12 base

[0141] 13 Axle engagement part

[0142] 14. Cylindrical section

[0143] 15 Claws

[0144] 16-axis support section

[0145] 17. Guiding ribs

[0146] 18 Space

[0147] 19-axis support section

[0148] 20 Connecting parts

[0149] 21 Bolt plate

[0150] 22 guide ribs

[0151] 23 Chimeric part

[0152] 24. Interlocking elastomers

[0153] 25 locking claws

[0154] 26. Elastic part

[0155] 27 Second Rotation Axis

[0156] 28. Keep the ribs intact.

[0157] 29. Maintenance Section

[0158] 30 Top Plate

[0159] 31 Through Hole

[0160] 32 Guide Box

[0161] 33 Oscillating Plate

[0162] 35. The part that was stuck together.

[0163] 36 Support base

[0164] 37 Supporting protrusions

[0165] 38 First Rotation Axis

[0166] 39. Swing limiting component

[0167] 40, 40A busbar

[0168] 41. Abutting the protrusion

[0169] 50 Housing

[0170] 60 bolts

[0171] 70 terminals

[0172] 71 Through Hole

[0173] 72 screw holes

[0174] 100 Electrical connection box

[0175] 111 Ribs

[0176] 141 concavity

[0177] 142 Locking recess

[0178] 191 Elastic Ribs

[0179] 241 handle

[0180] 261 Through hole

[0181] 262 Base

[0182] 263 Elastomers

[0183] 321 Left side wall

[0184] 331 Contact protrusion

[0185] 332 Open the retaining part

[0186] 334 Depression

[0187] 351 Through Hole

[0188] 511 Flat section

[0189] 512 Through hole.

Claims

1. An electrical connection box for a vehicle, comprising a busbar with one side in contact with terminals exposed through a through-hole in a housing, and a cover covering the terminals and the busbar from the other side of the busbar. The cover is rotatably mounted on one wall of the housing. The electrical connection box includes an opening retaining part that keeps the cover in an open state. The electrical connection box includes a locking part, which is disposed on the cover and has a recess that engages with the opening retaining part when the cover is in the open state. The electrical connection box has a swing plate that can swing in the thickness direction of one of the walls. The oscillating plate has the opening retaining portion at its end and a protrusion that abuts against the busbar. When the cover is in the open state, the opening retaining part engages with the recess, thereby maintaining the open state of the cover. When the busbar is placed on the terminal, the busbar abuts against the protrusion and the oscillating piece is pressed, thereby unlocking the engagement between the recess and the opening retainer.

2. An electrical connection box for a vehicle, comprising a busbar with one side in contact with terminals exposed through a through-hole in a housing, and a cover covering the terminals and the busbar from the other side of the busbar. The cover is rotatably mounted on one wall of the housing. The electrical connection box includes an opening retaining part that keeps the cover in an open state. The electrical connection box includes a locking part, which is disposed on the cover and has a recess that engages with the opening retaining part when the cover is in the open state. The electrical connection box has a swing plate that can swing in the thickness direction of one of the walls. The oscillating plate has the opening retaining portion at its end, and a protrusion that abuts against the oscillating plate is provided on the busbar. When the cover is in the open state, the opening retaining part engages with the recess, thereby maintaining the open state of the cover. When the busbar is placed on the terminal, the protrusion of the busbar abuts against the swing plate and the swing plate is pressed, thereby unlocking the engagement between the recess and the opening retainer.

3. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover has a rectangular peripheral wall with one open side and a cover body that opens and closes at one end of the peripheral wall.

4. The electrical connection box according to claim 3, wherein, The cover is kept rotatable and has an elastic portion that limits rotation of the cover above a predetermined angle.

5. The electrical connection box according to claim 2, wherein, A recess is formed at the position of the oscillating plate corresponding to the protrusion of the busbar.

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