Electrical connection box

Abstract

An electrical connection box is disclosed that can stably suppress the exposure of an electrical component mounting section and an electrical component mounted on the electrical component mounting section. The electrical connection box (10) includes: a housing (14); an electrical component mounting section (18) provided in the housing (14) for mounting an electrical component (12) through an opening (16); and a cover member (20) covering the opening (16). The rotation axis (98) of the cover member (20) is held in a bearing portion (68) of the housing (14), so that the cover member (20) is rotatably held relative to the housing (14). The cover member (20) can rotate from a closed position (C) that overlaps with and covers the opening (16) to a maximum open position (O). The rotation area (R) of the cover member (20) from the closed position (C) to the maximum open position (O) is limited to the range that produces rotation towards the closed position (C) caused by the weight of the cover member (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electrical connection boxes. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connection box for use in a vehicle. This box includes: an electrical component mounting section that houses electrical components such as fuses housed in a housing; and a cover member that covers the opening of the electrical component mounting section. During vehicle maintenance, the cover member can be detached from the opening to allow for inspection and replacement of the electrical components mounted in the mounting section. Furthermore, after maintenance, the cover member can be used to cover the opening of the electrical component mounting section, preventing the exposure of live parts and other potential hazards.

[0003] However, in the construction of Patent Document 1, since the electrical component mounting section and the cover member are formed independently, it is considered that the cover member may be lost after detaching from the opening, or the cover member may be forgotten to be installed after operation. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 2, it is considered to connect the cover member to the housing side member, etc., via a hinge in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-54661

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-90841 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, when the cover component is connected to the housing side components via a hinge, the hinge, being made of thin-walled resin, becomes brittle and breaks at low temperatures, potentially preventing the cover component from covering the electrical component mounting area. Furthermore, because the cover component is forced open by the elastic restoring force of the hinge, a gap may form between the cover component and the opening if the cover component is left open, exposing live parts.

[0010] Therefore, an electrical connection box is disclosed that can stably suppress the exposure of electrical components mounted on the electrical component mounting section.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The electrical connection box disclosed herein includes: a housing; an electrical component mounting portion disposed in the housing for mounting electrical components through an opening; and a cover member covering the opening. A rotation axis disposed on one of the housing and the cover member is held by a bearing portion disposed on the other of the housing and the cover member, thereby holding the cover member rotatably relative to the housing. The cover member is rotatable from a closed position overlapping and covering the opening to a maximum open position. The rotation range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to a range that produces rotation toward the closed position due to the weight of the cover member itself.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the electrical connection box disclosed herein, the exposure of the electrical component mounting section and the electrical components mounted on the electrical component mounting section can be stably suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the protective cover in the closed position in the electrical connection box of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The top view of the electrical connection box shown.

[0017] Figure 3 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the main part of section III-III.

[0018] Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the main part of section IV-IV.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a magnified representation of the structure Figure 1 A perspective view of the main parts of the housing of the electrical connection box shown.

[0020] Figure 6 It means in Figure 1 A perspective view of the electrical connection box with the protective cover in the open position.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connection box shown is consistent with... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the protective cover in the closed position in the electrical connection box of Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 9 It means in Figure 8 A perspective view of the electrical connection box with the protective cover in the open position.

[0024] Figure 10 It is an enlarged representation Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the main part of the XX section. Detailed Implementation

[0025] <Description of embodiments of this disclosure>

[0026] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0027] (1) The electrical connection box of this disclosure comprises: a housing; an electrical component mounting portion disposed in the housing for mounting electrical components through an opening; and a cover member covering the opening, wherein a rotation axis disposed in one of the housing and the cover member is held by a bearing portion disposed in the other of the housing and the cover member, thereby the cover member is held rotatably relative to the housing, the cover member is rotatable from a closed position overlapping and covering the opening to a maximum open position, and the rotation range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to the range that produces rotation toward the closed position caused by the weight of the cover member.

[0028] According to this electrical connection box, a rotating shaft is provided on one of the cover member and the housing, and a bearing portion is provided on the other. The cover member, which covers the opening of the electrical component mounting section, is held rotatably relative to the housing by the rotating shaft and held in place by the bearing portion. Therefore, compared to conventional structures where the components are rotatably connected via hinges, the undesirable situation of hinge fragility and breakage at low temperatures, preventing the cover member from covering the electrical component mounting section, can be prevented. Furthermore, the rotatable range of the cover member from the closed position (the position where the cover member overlaps and covers the opening) to the maximum open position is limited to the range that would cause rotation towards the closed position due to the cover member's own weight. Therefore, even if the operator forgets to close it, the cover member can move towards the closed position due to its own weight, thereby preventing or suppressing exposure of the electrical component mounting section. Thus, compared to conventional structures, this electrical connection box can reliably suppress exposure of the electrical component mounting section and the electrical components mounted thereon.

[0029] (2) In (1) above, it is preferable to provide a gap between the rotating shaft and the bearing portion. Since the rotating shaft is held in the bearing portion with the gap, friction between the rotating shaft and the bearing portion is suppressed when the cover member rotates. As a result, the cover member automatically and quickly moves to the closed position after the operator's hand leaves the work, thus more reliably preventing the electrical component mounting portion and the electrical components mounted on the electrical component mounting portion from being exposed.

[0030] (3) In (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that, when the cover member is positioned in the closed position, the cover member abuts against the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the opening. In the closed position, the cover member abuts against the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the opening where the electrical component mounting part and the electrical component mounted on it are exposed, thus more advantageously preventing the exposure of electrical components that may become live parts during maintenance work. This more advantageously prevents or reduces the risk of electric shock to the operator, thereby improving work safety.

[0031] (4) Based on any one of (1) to (3) above, preferably, the cover member has an abutting portion, and the housing has an abutted portion for the abutting portion to abut against, thereby preventing the cover member from rotating beyond the maximum opening position by the abutting portion against the abutted portion. Since the maximum opening position of the cover member is defined by the abutting portion provided on the cover member against the abutted portion provided on the housing, rotation of the cover member beyond the maximum opening position can be reliably prevented, thereby stably exhibiting rotation towards the closed position caused by the weight of the cover member itself, and thus more advantageously preventing the situation where the cover member is forgotten to be closed.

[0032] (5) Preferably, in (4) above, the cover member has the rotation axis, and the housing has the bearing portion. The cover member has: a cover wall portion that covers the opening; and a rotation axis retaining piece that protrudes from one side edge of the cover wall portion and retains the rotation axis. The housing has: a receiving recess that is provided near the bearing portion and receives the rotation axis retaining piece that rotates with the rotation of the cover member; and a protruding wall portion that protrudes from the receiving recess and extends from the opening side toward the bearing portion side. The extended end face of the protruding wall portion constitutes the abutting portion. As a result of the rotational displacement of the rotation axis retaining piece, the inner surface of the rotation axis retaining piece that contacts the extended end face constitutes the abutting portion. By cleverly utilizing the rotation axis retaining piece required to hold the cover member so that it can rotate relative to the housing, and the receiving recess on the housing side required to allow the rotation of the rotation axis retaining piece, the abutting portion and the abutting portion that define the maximum opening position of the cover member can be provided with fewer components and good space efficiency.

[0033] (6) Based on any one of (1) to (5) above, it is preferable that, when the closed position of the cover member is set to 0°, the central angle X at the maximum open position in the rotation region of the cover member, centered on the rotation axis, is set about 75° ≤ X < 90° around the rotation axis of the cover member. This is because when the maximum central angle X about the rotation axis in the rotation region is less than 75°, the workability during maintenance deteriorates, and when it is above 90°, it is impossible to reliably guide the cover member to rotate to the closed position due to its own weight. For example, when used in combination with the method described in (5) above, this method can be advantageously achieved by setting the inclination angle x of the extended end face of the protruding wall relative to the bottom surface of the receiving recess to 75° ≤ x < 90°.

[0034] (7) Based on any one of (1) to (6) above, it is preferable to have a locking mechanism that can be easily attached to and detached from the cover member in the closed position. The locking mechanism reliably holds the cover member in the closed position, thus preventing accidental exposure of the electrical component mounting section and the electrical components mounted thereon. Furthermore, the locking mechanism allows for release during maintenance.

[0035] <Detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0036] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific examples of the electrical connection box of this disclosure. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but rather to the modifications shown in the claims, which are intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0037] <Implementation Method 1>

[0038] The following uses Figures 1 to 7 The electrical connection box 10 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. This electrical connection box 10 is, for example, housed inside the battery pack of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, and contains electrical components that can be replaced during maintenance. In Embodiment 1, a fuse 12, as an example of an electrical component, is installed in the electrical connection box 10. It should be noted that in a vehicle, the electrical connection box 10 can be configured in any orientation; hereinafter, "above" refers to... Figure 3 Above and below refer to Figure 3 The bottom and left side refer to Figure 2 The left and right sides refer to Figure 2 The right side and the front side refer to the middle. Figure 2 Below and behind refer to Figure 2 The explanation will be provided above. Additionally, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled, while the labels are omitted for the others.

[0039] <Electrical Connection Box 10>

[0040] The electrical connection box 10 includes: a housing 14; an electrical component mounting section 18 disposed on the housing 14, through which an electrical component (fuse 12) is mounted; and a cover member 20 covering the mounting opening 16. The fuse 12, as the electrical component, is a known fuse, therefore detailed description is omitted, but the fuse 12 has a fuse body 22 and a pair of terminal portions 24, 24 protruding from the fuse body 22 in the longitudinal direction. In Embodiment 1, the fuse 12 is mounted on the housing 14 with an orientation extending in the left-right direction, and each terminal portion 24 protrudes from the fuse body 22 in the left-right direction. Each terminal portion 24 in these fuses 12 has a bolt insertion hole 26 extending in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0041] <Shell 14>

[0042] The housing 14 constituting the electrical connection box 10 can be constructed, for example, by assembling a lower housing 28 and an upper housing (not shown) in the vertical direction. However, in Embodiment 1, the feature portion is provided on the lower housing 28, and the shape of the upper housing is not limited, so the description of the upper housing is omitted. In addition, the shape of the lower housing 28 shown in the figure is only illustrative and is not limited thereto; it is shown by extracting the feature portion of this disclosure.

[0043] In Embodiment 1, the lower housing 28 shown in the figure has a generally box-shaped structure with a downward opening and is formed of an insulating synthetic resin. The lower housing 28 includes an upper bottom wall portion 30 that is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and a peripheral wall portion 32 that protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the upper bottom wall portion 30. In the lower housing 28, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a receiving space 34 is formed on the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30 in an upward opening manner. The receiving space 34 receives electrical components (fuse 12) and the cover member 20 in the closed position C. The opening above the receiving space 34 is the housing opening 35.

[0044] The receiving space 34 is configured as a housing receiving portion 36 including a housing housing member 20 and an electrical component mounting portion 18 for mounting and housing the electrical component (fuse 12). Furthermore, the housing member 20 is provided to cover the fuse 12 (electrical component mounting portion 18), thus the housing receiving portion 36 is provided above the electrical component mounting portion 18. In summary, the opening of the housing receiving portion 36 is a housing opening 35, located above the opening of the electrical component mounting portion 18, i.e., the mounting opening 16. Therefore, the electrical component mounting portion 18 opens upwards via the housing receiving portion 36, and the electrical component (fuse 12) is mounted through the mounting opening 16 provided at the bottom of the housing receiving portion 36.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30, where the housing opening 35 is provided, becomes the bottom surface of the lower housing 28 when the electrical connection box 10 is mounted with the upper housing facing upward. That is, the lower housing 28 shown in the figure is in an upside-down inverted state, and the upper housing is assembled from below relative to the lower housing 28 shown in the figure. Therefore, the internal space of the housing 14 can be formed by including the internal space of the lower housing 28, which has a generally box-shaped shape and opens downward, so the lower side of the lower housing 28 shown in the figure is the internal side of the housing 14. In addition, the receiving space 34 can also be provided at the bottom of the internal space of the housing 14, and in the lower housing where the upper housing is assembled from above, the receiving space 34 can also be provided with an upward opening.

[0046] Furthermore, two busbars 38 and 40 are fixed in a substantially embedded state inside the lower housing 28. Each busbar 38 and 40 is arranged separately in the left-right direction, and a fuse 12 is arranged to connect the inner ends of each busbar 38 and 40 in the left-right direction. That is, in the electrical component mounting section 18, the inner ends of each busbar 38 and 40 in the left-right direction are exposed, and the terminal portions 24 of the fuse 12 overlap at the inner ends of these busbars 38 and 40 in the left-right direction. Moreover, bolt through holes 42 for bolts 52 (described later) are formed at the inner ends of each busbar 38 and 40 in the left-right direction. In addition, the opposite ends of each busbar 38 and 40 are exposed, for example, in the internal space of the lower housing 28 (i.e., the internal space of the housing 14), and are electrically connected to electrical components such as relays (not shown) and busbars constituting a circuit, which are installed within the housing 14.

[0047] <Electrical Components Installation Section 18>

[0048] As described above, in the lower housing 28, the fuse 12 is mounted with an orientation extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the lower housing 28, the electrical component mounting portion 18 is formed in a manner that extends in the left-right direction. That is, the electrical component mounting portion 18 is generally a concave shape that opens upward through the mounting opening 16 and extends in the left-right direction. The lower housing 28 has a peripheral wall 43 that constitutes the electrical component mounting portion 18 and extends in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 43 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 is configured to include: a main body receiving portion 44 that receives the fuse body 22 of the fuse 12; and terminal receiving portions 46, 46, located on both sides of the main body receiving portion 44 in the left-right direction and receiving each terminal portion 24 of the fuse 12.

[0049] At the bottom of each terminal receiving portion 46, a terminal support portion 48 is provided to house and support each terminal portion 24 of the fuse 12. Each terminal support portion 48 has a bolt fastening hole 50 for fastening with the bolt 52 (described later). Each bolt fastening hole 50 can be formed either by accommodating a nut for fastening the bolt 52 in each terminal support portion 48, or by forming a female thread for bolt 52 engagement on the inner circumferential surface of each bolt fastening hole 50. With each busbar 38 and 40 fixed in the lower housing 28, the inner ends of each busbar 38 and 40 in the left-right direction overlap the terminal support portion 48, and the bolt insertion holes 42 and bolt fastening holes 50 in each busbar 38 and 40 are interconnected in the vertical direction.

[0050] Furthermore, when the fuse 12 is installed relative to the electrical component mounting section 18, the fuse body 22 that houses the fuse 12 is located relative to the main body housing section 44, and each terminal section 24 overlaps with each terminal support section 48 via the inner ends of each busbar 38, 40 in the left and right directions. Thus, each bolt insertion hole 26, 42 aligns with each bolt fastening hole 50, and the bolt 52 is inserted into each bolt insertion hole 26, 42 and fastened to each bolt fastening hole 50, thereby installing the fuse 12 onto the electrical component mounting section 18.

[0051] <Coverage Containment Department 36>

[0052] As described above, a cover receiving portion 36 is provided above the electrical component mounting portion 18 in the lower housing 28. The cover receiving portion 36 is formed to accommodate the cover member 20 when viewed from above, and is a generally rounded rectangle with a lateral dimension larger than its longitudinal dimension. Compared to the electrical component mounting portion 18, the cover receiving portion 36 has larger longitudinal and lateral dimensions. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43 in the electrical component mounting portion 18 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the cover receiving portion 36 via the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall, which extends in a generally annular shape in the horizontal direction (orthogonal to the vertical direction).

[0053] <Containment recess 56>

[0054] Additionally, a receiving recess 56 is formed in the rear wall portion constituting the receiving space 34. This receiving recess 56 receives the rotating shaft retaining piece 86 (described later) which rotates and displaces with the rotation of the cover member 20. In Embodiment 1, a pair of receiving recesses 56, 56 are provided separately from each other in the left-right direction in the central portion of the receiving space 34. Each receiving recess 56 is generally rectangular in plan view, has a predetermined left-right dimension and front-back dimension, and opens upward and forward. That is, each receiving recess 56 opens on the upper surface 33 of the lower housing 28, and the upper opening of each receiving recess 56 is connected to the housing opening 35 of the receiving space 34. Furthermore, the front opening of each receiving recess 56 communicates with the receiving space 34; in other words, each receiving recess 56 opens on the rear inner circumferential surface of the receiving space 34. In Embodiment 1, the bottom surface 58 of each receiving recess 56 is located below the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall of the electrical component mounting portion 18, and each receiving recess 56 is formed across the upper portion of the electrical component mounting portion 18 and the cover receiving portion 36.

[0055] Furthermore, a generally plate-shaped protruding wall portion 60 protruding upward is provided on the bottom surface 58 of each receiving recess 56. This protruding wall portion 60 extends in the front-rear direction inside each receiving recess 56, that is, it extends from the mounting opening 16 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 located at the front towards the bearing portion 68 provided in the receiving recess 56 (described later). In Embodiment 1, in each receiving recess 56, a pair of protruding walls 60, 60 are provided separately from each other in the left-right direction, and this pair of protruding walls 60, 60 are connected to each other at their front ends by a connecting portion 62. Additionally, the upward protrusion dimension of each protruding wall portion 60 is formed such that it does not reach the upper opening of each receiving recess 56 (in general, the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30), and each protruding wall portion 60 is formed such that it does not protrude upward from the receiving recess 56.

[0056] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the front end face (front end face of the connecting portion 62) of each protruding wall portion 60 is formed as a vertical surface 64 extending in the vertical direction, and the extended end face (rear end face) of each protruding wall portion 60 is formed as an inclined surface 66 whose protrusion dimension gradually increases upwards as it becomes forward. The inclination angle x of each inclined surface 66 relative to the bottom surface 58 (refer to...) Figure 3 The angle x is not limited, but is preferably set to 75° ≤ x < 90°. As described later, when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the inclined surface 66 abuts against the abutting portion of the cover member 20 (the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94, described later), and the inclined surface 66 constitutes the abutted portion that abuts against the abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94). By setting the inclination angle x of the inclined surface 66 within the above-mentioned range, for example, the maximum central angle X of the rotation of the cover member 20 about the rotation axis 98 can be set to 75° ≤ x < 90°, as described later.

[0057] <Bearing Section 68>

[0058] Furthermore, a bearing portion 68 is provided on the inner surface of the outer side of each receiving recess 56 in the left-right direction. This bearing portion 68 holds the rotation shaft 98, which will be described later, provided on the cover member 20. In other words, each receiving recess 56 is provided near each bearing portion 68 that holds each rotation shaft 98. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, a groove 70 opening inward in the left-right direction is formed on the rear portion of the inner surface of the outer left-right side of each receiving recess 56, and each groove 70 is provided along the entire length of the receiving recess 56 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a through hole 72 for inserting a rotating shaft 98 is provided at the lower end of each groove 70. The central axis of each through hole 72 extends in the left-right direction, and each through hole 72 is provided on the outer left-right side wall of each receiving recess 56 that forms the bottom of each groove 70. In short, each through hole 72 opens on the inner surface of the outer left-right side of each receiving recess 56. In Embodiment 1, each through hole 72 is formed through the bottom of each groove 70 (the outer left-right side wall of each receiving recess 56). Therefore, each through hole 72 can be formed by injection molding, and the lower housing 28 can be easily formed. In addition, in embodiment 1, an inlet surface 74 is formed at the upper end of each groove 70, through which each rotating shaft 98 in the cover member 20 can be easily inserted into each groove 70 and each through hole 72.

[0059] <Locking Organization Containment Department 76>

[0060] Furthermore, a locking mechanism receiving portion 76 is formed on the wall portion constituting the front of the receiving space 34 to receive the locking mechanism support portion 104 (described later). The locking mechanism receiving portion 76 is generally rectangular in plan view, having predetermined dimensions in the left-right direction and front-back direction, and opening upwards and rearwards. Specifically, the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 opens on the upper surface 33 of the lower housing 28, and the upper opening of the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 connects to the housing opening 35 of the receiving space 34. Additionally, the rear opening of the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 communicates with the receiving space 34; in other words, the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 opens on the inner circumferential surface at the front of the receiving space 34. In Embodiment 1, the bottom surface 78 of the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 is located at approximately the same height (vertical position) as the upper surface of each terminal support portion 48, and the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 is formed covering approximately the entire vertical length of the receiving space 34 (electrical component mounting portion 18 and cover receiving portion 36).

[0061] Here, also as Figure 2 , 4As shown in Figures 5 and 6, housing side protrusions 80 are formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right sides of the locking mechanism receiving portion 76, protruding inward in the left and right directions to form the locking mechanism 114 described later. In Embodiment 1, each housing side protrusion 80 is configured to include a first housing side protrusion 80a and a second housing side protrusion 80b that are separated from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions and the front and rear directions. That is, each first housing side protrusion 80a is located in front and above each second housing side protrusion 80b. Each first housing side protrusion 80a and each second housing side protrusion 80b protrudes inward in the left and right directions by a predetermined protrusion size. In Embodiment 1, each first housing side protrusion 80a and each second housing side protrusion 80b has a substantially equal protrusion size.

[0062] In addition, Figures 1 to 4 With the cover member 20 in the closed position C, the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 extends to a position further forward than the locking mechanism support portion 104, which will be described later, provided on the cover member 20. That is, with the cover member 20 in the closed position C and the locking mechanism support portion 104 received in the locking mechanism receiving portion 76, a working space 82 is formed in front of the locking mechanism support portion 104. This working space 82 is used for an operator to insert a finger to unlock the locking mechanism 114, which will be described later.

[0063] <Cover component 20>

[0064] The cover member 20 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin and has a cover wall portion 84 covering the mounting opening 16 and a rotation shaft retaining piece 86 protruding from one side edge of the cover wall portion 84 and retaining the rotation shaft 98 (described later). In Embodiment 1, the cover wall portion 84, when viewed from above, is formed into a generally rounded rectangular shape corresponding to the housing opening 35 (cover receiving portion 36), and the rotation shaft retaining piece 86 protrudes rearward from the rear side edge of the cover wall portion 84. In particular, in Embodiment 1, a pair of rotation shaft retaining pieces 86, 86 are provided separately from each other in the left-right direction at the central portion in the left-right direction of the cover wall portion 84. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, and in general, when the cover wall portion 84 is housed in the cover housing portion 36, the upper surface 87 of the cover wall portion 84 is at the same height (vertical position) as the upper surface 33 of the upper bottom wall portion 30 in the lower housing 28, that is, the upper surfaces 33 and 87 are located on the same plane. Therefore, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, the cover member 20 will not protrude upwards beyond the upper surface 33 of the lower housing 28.

[0065] A peripheral wall portion 88 is provided on the outer periphery of the cover wall portion 84. This peripheral wall portion 88 protrudes downward toward the side that serves as the mounting opening 16 when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C. The peripheral wall portion 88 is generally annular in its circumferential direction, and a generally annular flange portion 90 protruding outwards is provided in the middle portion of the peripheral wall portion 88 in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the flange portion 90 is a flat surface that extends in a generally annular shape in the horizontal direction. Figure 3 As shown, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position, the flange-shaped portion 90 abuts against the generally annular peripheral wall upper surface 54 of the electrical component mounting portion 18 in a substantially uniform manner.

[0066] <Rotating shaft retaining plate 86>

[0067] Each rotating shaft retaining plate 86 has a pair of retaining plate portions 92, 92 formed in a generally rectangular plate shape. These retaining plate portions 92 extend in the front-rear direction and are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Furthermore, these retaining plate portions 92 are connected to each other at their upper ends via upper wall portions 94. Moreover, these retaining plate portions 92 are connected to each other at their front ends via front wall portions 96. Furthermore, these upper wall portions 94 and front wall portions 96 are integrally formed and connected to the rear portion of the cover peripheral wall portion 88.

[0068] As described above, each rotating shaft retaining piece 86 is housed in a receiving recess 56 provided in the lower housing 28. That is, each retaining plate portion 92 is located further outward in the left-right direction than each protruding wall portion 60 provided in each receiving recess 56. In other words, the relative distance between each retaining plate portion 92 (the separation distance between the inner surfaces of each retaining plate portion 92 in the left-right direction) is greater than the separation distance between the outer surfaces of each protruding wall portion 60 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each upper wall portion 94 is separated upward from each protruding wall portion 60 by a predetermined distance, and the upper wall portion 94 and the protruding wall portion 60 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. More specifically, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each upper wall portion 94 is located within each receiving recess 56 and does not protrude upward from each receiving recess 56.

[0069] On the other hand, as described later, the rotational displacement of the cover member 20, including each rotation axis retaining piece 86, results in the following: when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the rear end portion of the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94 abuts against the rear end face (inclined surface 66) of each protruding wall portion 60, thereby restricting the rotation of the cover member 20. Therefore, the rear end portion, in particular, of the inner surface 95 in the upper wall portion 94 forms an abutment portion, which prevents the cover member 20 from rotating beyond the maximum open position O by contacting the abutted portion (inclined surface 66).

[0070] <Rotation axis 98>

[0071] A rotating shaft 98 protruding outward in the left-right direction is provided on the outer left-right side of one of the pair of retaining plate portions 92, 92 of each rotating shaft retaining plate 86. Each rotating shaft 98 has a circular cross-section and protrudes outward in the left-right direction by a predetermined protrusion dimension. The cover member 20 is... Figures 1 to 4 The orientation shown indicates that it is assembled in the lower housing 28, but... Figures 1 to 4 In the state shown, an inclined surface 100 is provided on the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of each rotating shaft 98, which is inclined in the same direction as the aforementioned guide surface 74. By the contact between these inclined surfaces 100 and the guide surface 74 in each bearing portion 68, elastic deformation of each retaining plate portion 92 on which each rotating shaft 98 is provided is easily generated in the left-right direction inward.

[0072] Furthermore, each rotation shaft 98 of the cover member 20 is inserted into and held in place by a through hole 72 provided in each bearing portion 68 of the lower housing 28, thereby holding the cover member 20 in a rotatable manner relative to the lower housing 28. The cover member 20 can be held in a closed position C (refer to) where it overlaps with the mounting opening 16 and covers the mounting opening 16. Figures 1 to 4 Rotate to the maximum open position O (refer to) Figure 6 , 7 ).

[0073] Furthermore, the outer diameter of each rotating shaft 98 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 72 provided in each bearing portion 68. When each rotating shaft 98 is inserted into each insertion hole 72, a small gap 102 is formed between each rotating shaft 98 and each insertion hole 72. Therefore, when the cover member 20 rotates, each rotating shaft 98 will not get stuck on the inner circumferential surface of each insertion hole 72, allowing for smooth rotation. In particular, by forming such a gap 102, the rotational force of the cover member 20 rotating towards the closed position C by its own weight is greater than the resistance to the rotational force. As a result, after the opening operation of the cover member 20 (described later), the resistance to the free-fall rotation of the cover member 20 towards the closed position C caused by its own weight after the operator has released the cover member 20 from its holding is very small. Therefore, the cover member 20, after its holding has been released, can quickly rotate towards the closed position C.

[0074] <Locking mechanism support part 104>

[0075] Furthermore, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, the locking mechanism support portion 104, which is provided with the locking mechanism 114 described later, protrudes from the front edge of the cover wall portion 84. In this state, the locking mechanism support portion 104 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and has left-right and front-back dimensions that can be accommodated in the aforementioned locking mechanism receiving portion 76. In Embodiment 1, the locking mechanism support portion 104 has a pair of generally rectangular plate-shaped support plates 106, 106 extending in the front-back direction, respectively, and the upper ends of each support plate portion 106 are connected to each other via upper wall portions 108. In addition, the rear ends of each support plate portion 106 are connected to each other via rear wall portions 110. Furthermore, these upper wall portions 108 and rear wall portions 110 are integrally provided with respect to the front portion of the cover peripheral wall portion 88.

[0076] Here, also as Figure 2 , 4 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each support plate portion 106 has a cover-side protrusion 112 formed on its outer surface in the left-right direction, which protrudes outward in the left-right direction to form the locking mechanism 114 described later. In Embodiment 1, each cover-side protrusion 112 is configured to include a first cover-side protrusion 112a and a second cover-side protrusion 112b that are separated from each other in the vertical and front-back directions. That is, each first cover-side protrusion 112a is located in front and above each second cover-side protrusion 112b. Each first cover-side protrusion 112a and each second cover-side protrusion 112b protrudes outward in the left-right direction by a predetermined protrusion size. In Embodiment 1, each first cover-side protrusion 112a and each second cover-side protrusion 112b has a substantially equal protrusion size.

[0077] <Locking mechanism 114>

[0078] Furthermore, when the cover member 20 is in the closed position C, each of the first cover side protrusions 112a is positioned equidistant from each of the first housing side protrusions 80a provided in the locking mechanism receiving portion 76 in the longitudinal direction, and is positioned lower than each of the first housing side protrusions 80a. Similarly, each of the second cover side protrusions 112b is positioned equidistant from each of the second housing side protrusions 80b in the longitudinal direction, and is positioned lower than each of the second housing side protrusions 80b. Thus, when the cover member 20 is rotated to the closed position C, each of the first cover side protrusions 112a passes over each of the first housing side protrusions 80a, and each of the second cover side protrusions 112b passes over each of the second housing side protrusions 80b. As a result, the cover side protrusions 112a are locked onto the housing side protrusions 80a, and the cover member 20 remains in the closed position C. Furthermore, by rotating the cover member 20 in the opening direction (towards the maximum opening position O), each of the second cover side protrusions 112b passes over each of the second housing side protrusions 80b, and each of the first cover side protrusions 112a passes over each of the first housing side protrusions 80a. As a result, the locking of the cover side protrusions 112 to the housing side protrusions 80 is released. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the locking mechanism 114 that allows the cover member 20 to be freely attached and detached in the closed position C is configured to include the housing side protrusions 80 and the cover side protrusions 112.

[0079] Furthermore, the release of the locking of the cover side protrusion 112 to the housing side protrusion 80 (rotational displacement of the cover member 20 in the opening direction) is performed by the operator inserting their finger into the working space 82, as described above. However, here, a narrow section 116, narrower than other sections, is provided in the middle part of the locking mechanism support 104 in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction). As a result, the portion of the locking mechanism support 104, particularly the part forward of the narrow section 116, is prone to elastic deformation to a certain extent. Consequently, when the cover member 20 is rotated in the opening direction, the operator hooks their finger onto the front end of the locking mechanism support 104 and pulls it upward, thereby causing the portion of the locking mechanism support 104 forward of the narrow section 116 to elastically deform first, and each of the second cover side protrusions 112b passes over each of the second housing side protrusions 80b. Subsequently, the operator further pulls the cover component 20 upward, thereby causing the cover component 20 to rotate around each rotation axis 98, and each first cover side protrusion 112a passes over each first shell side protrusion 80a, realizing the rotational displacement of the cover component 20 in the opening direction.

[0080] Assembly of Electrical Connection Box 10

[0081] The electrical connection box 10 with this structure is constructed by assembling the cover member 20 to the lower housing 28. That is, each rotating shaft 98 of the cover member 20 is inserted from above relative to each bearing portion 68 of the lower housing 28. By abutting the inclined surface 100 of each rotating shaft 98 against the guide surface 74 of each bearing portion 68, each retaining plate portion 92 of each rotating shaft 98 is provided to elastically deform inward in the left-right direction, and each rotating shaft 98 can pass through each groove 70 in the up-down direction. When each rotating shaft 98 moves downward in each groove 70 and reaches each insertion hole 72, each retaining plate portion 92 elastically returns to its original deformation, and each rotating shaft 98 is inserted into each insertion hole 72. Thus, the cover member 20 is assembled to the lower housing 28, and a relay (not shown) or the like is fixed in the internal space of the lower housing 28, or an upper housing is assembled relative to the lower housing 28, thereby forming the housing 14, and the electrical connection box 10 of Embodiment 1 is completed.

[0082] In the electrical connection box 10, the cover member 20 automatically moves towards the closed position C due to its own weight. In the initial state, the cover member 20 is located in the closed position C. In this state, the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C by engaging the cover side protrusion 112 with the housing side protrusion 80.

[0083] <How to use electrical connection box 10>

[0084] In the initial state of the electrical connection box 10 manufactured as described above, since the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C, a finger is first inserted into the working space 82 to pull the cover member 20 upward, releasing the locking of the cover side protrusion 112 to the housing side protrusion 80. At this time, as described above, the front side of the locking mechanism support 104 prior to the narrow section 116 elastically deforms, the locking of the second cover side protrusion 112b to the second housing side protrusion 80b is released first, and the locking of the first cover side protrusion 112a to the first housing side protrusion 80a is then released.

[0085] After the locking of the cover side protrusion 112 to the housing side protrusion 80 is released, the cover member 20 is further pulled up, rotating about each rotation axis 98 in the opening direction. This rotational displacement in the opening direction is limited by the contact between each abutting part (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall part 94) and each abutted part (each inclined surface 66). Specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, by abutting each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 in each upper wall portion 94) and abutting portion (each inclined surface 66), rotational displacement of the cover member 20 beyond the maximum open position O is prevented. Here, the rotational region R of the cover member 20 from the closed position C to the maximum open position O is limited to the range within which rotation towards the closed position C occurs due to the weight of the cover member 20.

[0086] exist Figure 6 ,7 In the diagram, the state in which the cover member 20 is rotated to the maximum open position O is indicated. Preferably, when the closed position C of the cover member 20 is set to 0°, the central angle X (refer to) within the rotation region R of the cover member 20, centered on each rotation axis 98, is... Figure 7 The rotational displacement of the cover member 20 toward the maximum open position O is limited by the contact between the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94 and each inclined surface 66. Therefore, the magnitude of the central angle X of the cover member 20 about each rotational axis 98 can be set according to the inclination angle x of each inclined surface 66. For example, if the inclination angle x of each inclined surface 66 is equal to the central angle X, it can be set to 75°≤x <90°.

[0087] Next, the cover component 20 is kept in the open state (e.g., in the open position). Figure 6 , 7 (In the maximum open position O shown), the fuse 12 is housed in the electrical component mounting section 18. That is, each terminal portion 24 of the fuse 12 overlaps with each busbar 38, 40 exposed on each terminal support portion 48, and is fixed by each bolt 52. Then, by releasing the holding of the cover member 20 in the open state, the cover member 20 rotates and moves towards the closed position C due to its own weight. Then, by locking the cover side protrusion 112 against the housing side protrusion 80, as shown... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the fuse 12 is installed (accommodated) in the electrical component mounting section 18 and the cover member 20 is held in the closed position C.

[0088] Thus, by setting the central angle X of the cover member 20 to less than 90° when the cover member 20 is in the maximum open position O, the cover member 20 can automatically rotate to the closed position C under its own weight. In particular, a small gap 102 is formed between each rotating shaft 98 and each insertion hole 72 through which each rotating shaft 98 is inserted. When installing or removing electrical components (fuse 12), the cover member 20 needs to be kept in the open state, but by releasing the open state, the cover member 20 can quickly and automatically rotate to the closed position C. After the cover member 20 reaches the closed position C, the cover side protrusion 112 is locked against the housing side protrusion 80, thereby keeping the cover member 20 in the closed position C.

[0089] Furthermore, during maintenance and other services, the locking of the cover side protrusion 112 to the housing side protrusion 80 is released again, causing the cover member 20 to move towards the maximum open position O, the tightening of each bolt 52 is released, and electrical components (fuse 12) are replaced. Similarly, the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 in the opening direction is restricted by the contact between each abutting part (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall part 94) and each abutted part (each inclined surface 66), and after maintenance and other operations are completed, the holding force in the opening direction is released, thereby the cover member 20 automatically moves towards the closed position C.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above description, the electrical connection box 10 in its initial state, with the cover member 20 assembled relative to the lower housing 28, is used as the initial state. Electrical components (fuse 12) are installed relative to this state of the electrical connection box 10. However, for example, the cover member 20 may be assembled after the electrical components (fuse 12) are installed relative to the lower housing 28. The electrical connection box 10 in its initial state (i.e., with the electrical components (fuse 12) installed) may also be used as the initial state of the electrical connection box 10. Figures 1 to 4 The electrical connection box 10 shown is taken as the initial state.

[0091] According to the electrical connection box 10 of Embodiment 1 with the above-described structure, further, during the installation, maintenance, or other services of electrical components (fuse 12), the cover member 20 is displaced from the closed position C to the maximum open position O. However, the rotation range R of the cover member 20 towards the maximum open position O is limited to the range of rotation towards the closed position C caused by the weight of the cover member 20 itself, generated by the contact between each abutting part (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall part 94) and each abutted part (each inclined surface 66). Therefore, even when work is performed with the cover member 20 open, since the cover member 20 automatically moves towards the closed position C after the work is completed by releasing the external force that keeps the cover member 20 in the open state, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the cover member 20. In particular, since the structure described above for preventing forgetting to close the cover member 20 does not use the hinges of conventional structures, adverse situations such as hinge breakage due to exposure to low temperature environments will not occur, and the live parts can be covered quickly and more reliably using the cover member 20.

[0092] In Embodiment 1, a gap 102 is provided between each rotating shaft 98 and the insertion hole 72 of each bearing portion 68. As a result, the rotational force required for the cover member 20 to rotate towards the closed position C due to its own weight is set to be greater than the resistance to the rotational force, thereby releasing the holding force in the opening direction and allowing the cover member 20 to automatically and quickly rotate towards the closed position C. Furthermore, this can be achieved, for example, by setting the outer diameter of each rotating shaft 98 to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 72 in each bearing portion 68.

[0093] With the cover member 20 in the closed position C, the cover member 20 abuts against the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall of the electrical component mounting portion 18. In particular, in Embodiment 1, the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall is located on the same plane almost entirely, and the flange-like portion 90 in the cover member 20 abuts against the upper surface 54 of the peripheral wall almost entirely, thus more reliably preventing accidental contact with live parts (the connection portion between the fuse 12 and each busbar 38, 40) through the housing opening 35 and the mounting opening 16.

[0094] The rotational displacement of the cover member 20 described above is limited by the contact between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (each inclined surface 66). That is, the rotational displacement of the cover member 20 is limited solely by the contact between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (each inclined surface 66), both formed of rigid synthetic resin. Therefore, rotational displacement of the cover member 20 beyond the maximum opening position O can be more reliably limited. In particular, these abutting portions (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (each inclined surface 66) are in surface contact. Therefore, even if an external force is applied further in the opening direction while the cover member 20 is in the maximum opening position O, the contact between each abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of each upper wall portion 94) and each abutted portion (the inclined surface 66) can be maintained, thereby more reliably preventing the cover member 20 from rotating beyond the maximum opening position O.

[0095] For example, when the cover member 20 is opened during the installation or removal of an electrical component (fuse 12), the rotation angle of the cover member 20 is set such that the maximum central angle X around the central axis of each rotation axis 98 is in the range of 75° ≤ X < 90°. By setting the cover member 20 to open at an angle of 75° or more, the installation and removal of the electrical component (fuse 12) can be performed stably. Furthermore, by setting the cover member 20 to open at an angle less than 90°, after the operation, by releasing the external force in the direction of opening the cover member 20, the cover member 20 can be automatically displaced to the closed position C.

[0096] The electrical connection box 10 has a locking mechanism 114 that allows the cover member 20 to be easily attached and detached and held in the closed position C. This prevents the cover member 20, when in the closed position C, from accidentally displacing towards the maximum open position O. In particular, in Embodiment 1, by providing the locking mechanism 114 as a two-stage locking mechanism for each of the first housing side protrusions 80a and each of the first cover side protrusions 112a, and each of the second housing side protrusions 80b and each of the second cover side protrusions 112b, the operator can easily confirm that the locking mechanism 114 is in the locked state through tactile feedback, and the retention of the cover member 20 in the closed position C by the locking mechanism 114 can be achieved more reliably.

[0097] <Implementation Method 2>

[0098] Next, use Figures 8 to 10 The electrical connection box 120 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described. The basic structure of the electrical connection box 120 in Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the electrical connection box 10 in Embodiment 1. However, in Embodiment 1, a fuse 12 is exemplified as an electrical component mounted on the electrical component mounting section 18, while in Embodiment 2, a current sensor 122 is used as an electrical component. The current sensor 122, as an electrical component, adopts a known structure, therefore detailed description is omitted. However, the current sensor 122 has a sensor body 124 and a pair of terminal portions 126, 126 protruding from the sensor body 124 in the left-right direction. The sensor body 124 includes a sensor element 128 disposed inside and a sensor housing 130 made of synthetic resin covering the outer periphery of the sensor element 128. The sensor housing 130 may, for example, be composed of multiple components. Furthermore, in the following description, components and parts substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1 are labeled with the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 in the figures, thereby omitting detailed descriptions. Additionally, in Figures 8 to 10 The term "in the middle" refers to the extracted features from Embodiment 2, and does not represent the entirety of the electrical connection box 120.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, in the cover member 20 extending in the left-right direction, each rotation shaft retaining piece 86 protrudes rearward from the cover wall portion 84. However, in Embodiment 2, although the cover member 132 extends in the left-right direction, the rotation shaft retaining piece 136 protrudes leftward from the cover wall portion 134. The structure of the rotation shaft retaining piece 136 is the same as in Embodiment 1, comprising a pair of retaining plate portions 92, 92 and an upper wall portion 94 connecting the upper ends of each retaining plate portion 92. In addition, similarly to Embodiment 1, a receiving recess 138 for receiving the rotation shaft retaining piece 136 is provided in the lower housing 28. Furthermore, each rotation shaft 98 provided in each rotation shaft retaining piece 136 is inserted into the insertion hole 72 of each bearing portion 68 provided in the receiving recess 138, thereby allowing the cover member 132 to rotate about each rotation shaft 98. Furthermore, each protruding wall portion 60 is provided in the receiving recess 138, and the abutting portion (the inner surface 95 of the upper wall portion 94) abuts against the abutted portion (each inclined surface 66), thereby restricting the rotational displacement of the cover member 132 about each rotation axis 98.

[0100] That is, in embodiment 2, the cover member 132 is in the closed position C (refer to...) Figure 8 (to the maximum open position O (refer to)) Figure 9 , 10The rotation area R' of the cover member 132 is also limited to the range within which rotation towards the closed position C occurs due to the weight of the cover member 132. When the closed position C of the cover member 132 is 0°, the central angle X at the maximum open position O centered on each rotation axis 98 in the rotation area R' of the cover member 132 is preferably set to a range of 75° ≤ X < 90° around each rotation axis 98 of the cover member 132. In the electrical connection box 120 of Embodiment 2, which is configured in this way, the electrical component installed in the electrical component mounting section 18 is changed only from the fuse 12 to the current sensor 122, thus achieving the same effect as in Embodiment 1.

[0101] <Variation Example>

[0102] The above descriptions of embodiments 1 and 2 are specific examples of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited to these specific descriptions. Modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the purpose of this disclosure are included in this disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0103] (1) In the above embodiment, each rotating shaft 98 is provided in the cover members 20 and 132, and each bearing part 68 for holding each rotating shaft 98 is provided in the lower housing 28. However, it is also possible to provide a bearing part in the cover member and a rotating shaft in the housing (e.g., the lower housing).

[0104] (2) In Embodiment 1 described above, an electrical component mounting section 18 is provided in the lower housing 28 to mount a fuse 12, and in Embodiment 2, a current sensor 122 is mounted in an electrical component mounting section 18, but this is not a limitation. That is, multiple electrical component mounting sections can be provided in the housing (e.g., the lower housing), and both fuses and current sensors can be mounted. Furthermore, the electrical components mounted in the electrical component mounting sections are not limited to fuses and current sensors; known electrical components can be used, but preferably electrical components that can be replaced during services such as maintenance.

[0105] (3) In the electrical connection box of this disclosure, a locking mechanism that allows the cover component to be easily installed and removed and kept in the closed position is not necessary. In addition, even if such a locking mechanism is provided, it does not need to be the two-stage locking mechanism described in the above embodiments.

[0106] (4) In the above embodiment, the electrical component mounting part 18 is provided in the lower housing 28 constituting the housing 14. However, the electrical component mounting part may be provided in the upper housing instead of the lower housing, or it may be provided in the upper housing in addition to the lower housing.

[0107] Label Explanation

[0108] 10. Electrical connection box (Implementation method 1)

[0109] 12. Fuses (electrical components)

[0110] 14. Shell

[0111] 16. Installation opening (opening)

[0112] 18 Electrical Components Installation Department

[0113] 20 Cover components

[0114] 22. Fuse body

[0115] 24 Terminal Section

[0116] 26 Bolt through holes

[0117] 28 Lower housing

[0118] 30 Upper bottom wall

[0119] 32. Perimeter wall

[0120] 33 (Upper surface of the bottom wall)

[0121] 34 Containment Space

[0122] 35. Shell opening

[0123] 36-coverage containment unit

[0124] Busbars 38 and 40

[0125] 42 Bolt through hole

[0126] 43 Zhou Bi

[0127] 44 Main Containment Department

[0128] 46 Terminal housing section

[0129] 48 Terminal support section

[0130] 50 Bolt fastening holes

[0131] 52 bolts

[0132] 54. Upper surface of the wall

[0133] 56 Containment recess

[0134] 58 (bottom surface of the receiving recess)

[0135] 60 Protruding wall portion

[0136] 62 Connecting part

[0137] 64 Vertical plane

[0138] 66 Inclined surface (the part being abutted, the extended end face)

[0139] 68 Bearing section

[0140] 70 Groove

[0141] 72 Through Holes

[0142] 74 Import Surface

[0143] 76 Locked Organization Containment Department

[0144] 78 (The bottom of the Locking Mechanism Containment Department)

[0145] 80. Shell side protrusions

[0146] 80a First shell side protrusion

[0147] 80b Second shell side protrusion

[0148] 82. Workspace

[0149] 84 Covering wall section

[0150] 86 Rotating shaft retaining plate

[0151] 87 (Upper surface of the cover wall)

[0152] 88. Peripheral wall portion

[0153] 90 Flange-like portion

[0154] 92. Maintain the plate section.

[0155] 94 Upper wall

[0156] 95 Inner surface (contact part)

[0157] 96 Anterior wall portion

[0158] 98 Rotating shaft

[0159] 100° inclined plane

[0160] 102 gap

[0161] 104 Locking mechanism support

[0162] 106 Support plate section

[0163] 108 Upper wall

[0164] 110 Rear wall

[0165] 112 Side protrusions of the cover

[0166] 112a First cover side protrusion

[0167] 112b Second cover side protrusion

[0168] 114 Locking Mechanism

[0169] 116 Narrow section

[0170] 120 Electrical Connection Box (Implementation Method 2)

[0171] 122 Current sensor (electrical component)

[0172] 124 Sensor body

[0173] 126 terminal section

[0174] 128 sensor elements

[0175] 130 Sensor Housing

[0176] 132 Cover Components

[0177] 134 Cover section

[0178] 136 Rotating shaft retaining plate

[0179] 138 Containment recess

[0180] C Close position

[0181] O Maximum Open Position

[0182] R, R rotation area

[0183] X-center angle

[0184] x (tilt angle of the extended end face).

Claims

1. An electrical connection box, wherein, have: case; An electrical component mounting section is provided in the housing, and electrical components are mounted through an opening; and Cover component, covering the opening, A rotation axis disposed on one of the housing and the cover member is held by a bearing portion disposed on the other of the housing and the cover member, thereby the cover member is held in a rotatable manner relative to the housing. The cover member can rotate from a closed position that overlaps with and covers the opening to a fully open position. The rotational range of the cover member from the closed position to the maximum open position is limited to the range that produces rotation toward the closed position caused by the weight of the cover member itself.

2. The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein, A gap is provided between the rotating shaft and the bearing portion.

3. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, When the cover member is in the closed position, the cover member abuts against the upper surface of the peripheral wall of the opening.

4. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The cover component has an abutment portion. The housing has a contacted portion for the contacting portion to contact with. The rotation of the cover member beyond the maximum opening position is prevented by the contact of the contact portion against the abutted portion.

5. The electrical connection box according to claim 4, wherein, The cover component has the rotation axis, and the housing has the bearing portion. The cover member has: a cover wall portion that covers the opening; and a rotation shaft retaining piece that protrudes from one side edge of the cover wall portion and retains the rotation shaft. The housing has: a receiving recess disposed near the bearing portion, for receiving the rotating shaft retaining piece that rotates with the rotation of the cover member; and a protruding wall portion that protrudes from the receiving recess and extends from the opening side toward the bearing portion side. The abutting portion is formed by the extended end face of the protruding wall portion, and as a result of the rotational displacement of the rotating shaft retaining piece, the abutting portion is formed by the inner surface of the rotating shaft retaining piece that is in surface contact with the extended end face.

6. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, When the closed position of the cover member is set to 0°, the central angle X at the maximum open position in the rotation region of the cover member, centered on the rotation axis, is set in the range of 75° ≤ X < 90° around the rotation axis of the cover member.

7. The electrical connection box according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The electrical connection box has a locking mechanism that keeps the cover component detachably in the closed position.

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