Electrical component pullout tool fixing structure and electrical connection box

Abstract

To facilitate attachment / detachment of an electrical component pullout tool.SOLUTION: A fuse puller fixing structure 51 is formed to protrude from an enclosure 11 so as to fix a fuse puller 41 to the enclosure 11 in an attachable / detachable state. The fuse puller 41 is used for pulling out, from the enclosure 11, a fuse that can be attached / detached to / from the enclosure 11. The fuse puller 41 includes operation grip portions 44 and clamping portions 45. The operation grip portions 44 are provided as a pair. The clamping portions 45 are provided as a pair to clamp the fuse. The fuse puller fixing structure 51 includes a first holding portion 61 and a second holding portion 62. The first holding portion 61 holds the operation grip portion 44. The second holding portion 62 holds the clamping portion 45. The first holding portion 61 includes a first press-fit portion 71 in which the fuse puller 41 is to be press-fitted. The second holding portion 62 includes a second press-fit portion 81 in which the fuse puller 41 is to be press-fitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for fixing an electrical component extractor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electrical junction box having a structure for holding a tool has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of structure.

[0003] The electrical junction box of Patent Document 1 includes a housing in which electronic components are housed. The electrical junction box includes a tool for removing the electronic components from the housing. The tool includes a main body portion and a clamping portion. A holding hole is formed in the main body portion. The clamping portion is formed to protrude from the main body portion and can hold the electronic components.

[0004] The electrical junction box includes a tool holding portion for detachably holding the tool. The tool holding portion includes a holding main body portion and a rotation restricting portion. The holding main body portion is formed to protrude and holds the main body portion by being inserted into the holding hole of the tool. The rotation of the clamping portion of the tool is restricted by the rotation restricting portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the configuration of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, holding claws are provided on the tool holding part. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the tool, it is necessary to deform the tool holding part in order for the holding claws to pass through the holding holes, and the durability of the tool holding part is reduced. When the tool holding part is damaged, the electrical component extractor cannot be fixed, and it is necessary to replace the entire housing, resulting in high repair costs. In addition, when forming the holding claws, depending on the mold, it may be necessary to open through holes in the housing, which impairs the waterproofness. As a method of providing the holding claws without opening through holes in the housing, it is conceivable to provide a slide structure in the mold or to perform forced demolding with the mold. However, even in these methods, there is room for improvement in that the structure of the mold becomes complicated or there remains a concern about deformation or breakage of the holding claws during demolding.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable easy attachment and detachment of an electrical component extractor and to reduce the loads applied to the electrical component extractor holding part and the electrical component extractor when the electrical component extractor is fixed. Means for Solving the Problems and Effects

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, the means for solving these problems and their effects will be described.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical component extractor fixing structure having the following configuration. That is, this electrical component extractor fixing structure is formed to project from the housing in order to fix the electrical component extractor to the housing in a detachable state. The electrical component extractor is used to extract a detachable electrical component from the housing. The electrical component extractor includes an operation gripping part and a clamping part. The operation gripping parts are provided in a pair. The clamping parts are provided in a pair and clamp the electrical component. The electrical component extractor fixing structure includes a first holding part and a second holding part. The first holding part holds the operation gripping part. The second holding part holds the clamping part. The first holding part includes a first press-fitting part into which the electrical component extractor is press-fitted. The second holding part includes a second press-fitting part into which the electrical component extractor is press-fitted.

[0010] By press-fitting the electrical component extractor, the electrical component extractor can be fixed to the first holding portion and the second holding portion by the frictional holding force of the press-fitted portion. Further, since the electrical component extractor is press-fitted and fixed to the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the attachment and detachment operation of the electrical component extractor is facilitated. In addition, compared with the conventional technique in which the operation gripping portion of the electrical component extractor is hooked and held by the holding claws, it is possible to prevent a decrease in durability due to deformation of the peripheral portion of the holding claws, and the mold for molding can be simplified.

[0011] In the above-described electrical component extractor fixing structure, the following configuration is preferably adopted. That is, the first press-fitting portion contacts from the inside so as to widen the interval between the pair of operation gripping portions. The second press-fitting portion is formed as a pair and contacts from the outside so as to narrow the interval between the pair of sandwiching portions.

[0012] Thereby, the electrical component extractor in a state of being attached to the electrical component extractor fixing structure receives a force in a direction of narrowing the interval between the pair of sandwiching portions by the first press-fitting portion and the second press-fitting portion. Therefore, even if the electrical component extractor is plastically deformed, it is possible to maintain a state in which the electrical component can be sandwiched by the electrical component extractor.

[0013] In the above-described electrical component extractor fixing structure, the following configuration is preferably adopted. That is, the first holding portion includes a first insertion portion disposed on the front side of the first press-fitting portion in the mounting direction in which the electrical component extractor is mounted on the electrical component extractor fixing structure. The second holding portion includes a pair of second insertion portions disposed on the front side of the second press-fitting portion in the mounting direction. The first insertion portion retracts inward with respect to the pair of operation gripping portions more than the first press-fitting portion. The second insertion portion retracts outward with respect to the pair of sandwiching portions more than the second press-fitting portion.

[0014] Thus, before press-fitting and fixing the electrical component extractor into the extractor holding part, the approximate position of the electrical component extractor can be determined by the first insertion part and the second insertion part. Therefore, the electrical component extractor can be easily attached to the electrical component extractor fixing structure.

[0015] In the above electrical component extractor fixing structure, the following configuration is preferably adopted. That is, the first holding part includes a first tapered part disposed between the first press-fitting part and the first insertion part. The second holding part includes a second tapered part disposed between the second press-fitting part and the second insertion part.

[0016] Thereby, the electrical component extractor can be guided to the first press-fitting part and the second press-fitting part by the guidance of the first tapered part and the second tapered part, and the press-fitting state can be realized smoothly.

[0017] In the above electrical component extractor fixing structure, it is preferable that the second holding part includes a support rib protruding in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pair of second press-fitting parts face each other.

[0018] Thereby, the support rib can prevent the second holding part from deforming outward due to the reaction force during the press-fitting and fixing of the electrical component extractor.

[0019] In the above electrical component extractor fixing structure, in the process of attaching the electrical component extractor to the electrical component extractor fixing structure, it is preferable that the timing at which the electrical component extractor starts press-fitting into the first press-fitting part and the timing at which the electrical component extractor starts press-fitting into the second press-fitting part are different.

[0020] Thereby, the electrical component extractor can be attached to the electrical component extractor fixing structure with a small force.

[0021] In the above-described electrical component extractor fixing structure, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, on at least one side in the width direction of the electrical component extractor, the clamping portion is narrower than the operation gripping portion in the width direction. In the second holding portion, a convex portion capable of contacting the narrowed portion is provided protruding from the housing.

[0022] Thereby, by utilizing the narrowed portion of the electrical component extractor, a gap can be formed for an operator to hook the tip of a finger. Therefore, the electrical component extractor can be easily removed from the electrical component extractor fixing structure.

[0023] In the above-described electrical component extractor fixing structure, it is preferable that the first holding portion includes a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the electrical component extractor in the direction in which the first holding portion and the second holding portion are aligned.

[0024] Thereby, the electrical component extractor can be appropriately held in a predetermined position.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connection box including the above-described electrical component extractor fixing structure is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] The electrical connection box 1 of the present embodiment is configured as an electrical connection box for an automobile. The electrical connection box 1 is a component that houses various electrical components of an automobile, such as fuses and relays, together with an electronic substrate or the like. The electrical connection box 1 includes a housing 11, an electrical substrate 12, connection terminals 13, and a plurality of fuses (electrical components) 20.

[0029] The housing 11 is formed in a hollow shape from synthetic resin. The electrical substrate 12 is housed inside the housing 11. The electrical substrate 12 is configured as a known printed circuit board. A plurality of electrical components (not shown) are mounted on the electrical substrate 12.

[0030] The connection terminals 13 are mounted on the electrical substrate 12. The connection terminals 13 can be electrically connected to a wire harness or the like (not shown) disposed outside the housing 11.

[0031] The fuse 20 is a type of the aforementioned electrical component. When an excessive current flows through the electrical circuit configured on the electrical substrate 12 for some reason, the fuse 20 automatically blows. Thereby, the electrical circuit can be interrupted, and various components can be protected from the excessive current.

[0032] On the outer surface of the housing 11, a mounting recess 16 for detachably mounting the fuse 20 is formed. Each fuse 20 is electrically connected to the above-described electrical circuit by being inserted into the mounting recess 16.

[0033] The blown fuse 20 needs to be replaced with a new one. The housing 11 is provided with a fuse puller fixing structure (electrical component extractor fixing structure) 51. A fuse puller (electrical component extractor) 41, which is a tool for replacing the fuse, can be detachably attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51. Details of the fuse puller 41 will be described later.

[0034] The fuse puller fixing structure 51 is formed to protrude externally from the outer surface of the housing 11. Hereinafter, the direction in which the fuse puller 41 is attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 may be referred to as the attachment direction D1.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuse puller 41 includes a pair of arm portions 42 and a fulcrum deformation portion 43. The two arm portions 42 and the fulcrum deformation portion 43 are integrally formed.

[0036] Each arm portion 42 is formed in an elongated shape and is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is substantially parallel. The two arm portions 42 are symmetrically arranged.

[0037] Hereinafter, the axis about which the two arm portions 42 are symmetrically arranged may be referred to as the symmetry axis A1, and the direction in which the two arm portions 42 are arranged may be referred to as the arm arrangement direction D2. Also, the direction perpendicular to both the symmetry axis A1 and the arm arrangement direction D2 may be referred to as the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41. The width direction of the fuse puller 41 corresponds to the width direction of the fuse 20.

[0038] The fulcrum deformation portion 43 is formed so as to connect the middle portions in the longitudinal direction of the two arm portions 42. The fulcrum deformation portion 43 is formed in an arc shape with the side closer to the clamping portion 45 to be described later being convex.

[0039] In each of the pair of arm portions 42, an operation gripping portion 44 is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction, and a clamping portion 45 is formed on the opposite side.

[0040] In the fuse puller 41, a pair of operation gripping parts 44 are arranged. An operator can pinch the two operation gripping parts 44 with fingers and apply force to each operation gripping part 44. On the surface of each operation gripping part 44 facing away from the other operation gripping part 44, a plurality of anti-slip protrusions 46 are formed.

[0041] In each arm part 42, a first reinforcing rib 47 is formed on the part closer to the operation gripping part 44 than the fulcrum deformation part 43. The first reinforcing rib 47 is formed in a T shape and protrudes in a direction approaching the other arm part 42. The first reinforcing rib 47 can ensure the mechanical strength of the arm part 42 and prevent excessive deformation.

[0042] In the fuse puller 41, a pair of clamping parts 45 are arranged. Each clamping part 45 is provided with a claw part 48. The claw parts 48 are provided so as to face each other with respect to the claw part 48 provided in the other clamping part 45. As shown in FIG. 3, the claw part 48 can be hooked on the recess 21 formed in the fuse 20.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, in each arm part 42, the surface facing away from the symmetry axis A1 in the arm alignment direction D2 is inclined so as to approach the symmetry axis A1 as it approaches the clamping part 45 from the fulcrum deformation part 43. Thereby, the fuse puller 41 has a tapered shape that tapers so that the dimension of the fuse puller 41 in the arm alignment direction D2 becomes smaller as it approaches the clamping part 45. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the dimension of the clamping part 45 in the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41 is smaller than the dimension of the operation gripping part 44 in the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41.

[0044] Thereby, the clamping part 45 can be configured compactly. Therefore, even when a plurality of fuses 20 are densely mounted as shown in FIG. 1, the clamping part 45 can be easily attached to the fuse 20 to be replaced.

[0045] In the arm portion 42, a second reinforcing rib 49 is formed in a portion closer to the clamping portion 45 than the fulcrum deformation portion 43. The second reinforcing rib 49 is formed in a T shape and protrudes in a direction approaching the arm portion 42 on the other side. The second reinforcing rib 49 can ensure the mechanical strength of the arm portion 42 and prevent excessive deformation.

[0046] Hereinafter, the operation of removing the fuse 20 using the fuse puller 41 will be described.

[0047] When a fuse 20 mounted in the mounting recess 16 blows, the operator pulls out the fuse puller 41 from the fuse puller fixing structure 51 shown in FIG. 1 in a direction opposite to the above-described mounting direction D1. Next, the operator pinches the pair of operation gripping portions 44 of the fuse puller 41 with fingers and sets the clamping portion 45 toward the fuse 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Subsequently, the operator moves the fuse puller 41 so as to insert the head of the fuse 20 between the pair of clamping portions 45 as indicated by the thick arrow in FIG. 3. Since the claw portions 48 and the like of the clamping portion 45 are formed in an inclined shape, when the fuse puller 41 is mounted on the fuse 20, the fulcrum deformation portion 43 of the fuse puller 41 elastically deforms so that the pair of clamping portions 45 are pushed apart by the head of the fuse 20.

[0048] When the claw portion 48 gets over the head of the fuse 20, each claw portion 48 is caught by the recess 21, so that the tip of the fuse puller 41 is fixed to the fuse 20. Thereafter, the operator pulls out the fuse puller 41 in a direction away from the mounting recess 16. Thereby, the fuse 20 can be removed from the mounting recess 16.

[0049] Thereafter, the operator increases the force of pinching the operation gripping portions 44 with fingers so as to narrow the distance between the pair of operation gripping portions 44 of the fuse puller 41. As a result, the fulcrum deformation portion 43 elastically deforms, and the distance between the clamping portions 45 is widened. Thereby, the engagement of the claw portion 48 with the recess 21 is released, so that the fuse 20 can be removed from the fuse puller 41.

[0050] The operator attaches the new fuse 20 to the attachment recess 16. This operation is completed simply by pushing the fuse 20 into the attachment recess 16 with a finger without using the fuse puller 41. Then, the operator pushes the fuse puller 41 in the attachment direction D1 and moves it to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 and attaches it again.

[0051] Next, the fuse puller fixing structure 51 will be described in detail.

[0052] The fuse puller fixing structure 51 includes a first holding portion 61 and a second holding portion 62. Both the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62 protrude outward from the outer surface of the housing 11. The directions in which the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62 protrude from the housing 11 are opposite to the above-described attachment direction D1.

[0053] Hereinafter, the state in which the fuse puller 41 is attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the attached state. The first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62 are arranged side by side at an appropriate interval in the direction of the symmetry axis A1 of the fuse puller 41 in the attached state.

[0054] The first holding portion 61 is provided corresponding to the operation gripping portion 44. The second holding portion 62 is provided corresponding to the clamping portion 45.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the first holding portion 61 includes a first press-fitting portion 71, a boss portion 72, and a regulating portion 73. The first press-fitting portion 71, the boss portion 72, and the regulating portion 73 are integrally formed.

[0056] The first press-fitting portion 71 is formed in a rib shape. When viewed along the attachment direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the first press-fitting portion 71 is substantially parallel to the symmetry axis A1 of the fuse puller 41 in the attached state. One longitudinal end portion of the first press-fitting portion 71 is connected to the boss portion 72, and the other end portion is connected to the regulating portion 73.

[0057] Flat press-fitting surfaces are formed on both surfaces in the thickness direction of the first press-fitting portion 71. This press-fitting surface can contact the tip surface of the first reinforcing rib 47 formed on the arm portion 42. The tip surface of the first reinforcing rib 47 can also be described as the surface facing the symmetry axis A1 side in the arm portion 42 (in other words, the operation gripping portion 44).

[0058] The boss portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In a state where the fuse puller 41 is attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51, the boss portion 72 is disposed between the first press-fitting portion 71 and the fulcrum deformation portion 43.

[0059] The outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 72 is formed to follow the arc-shaped fulcrum deformation portion 43. In the above-described attached state, an appropriate gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 72 and the fulcrum deformation portion 43.

[0060] In the attached state, the first press-fitting portion 71 and the boss portion 72 are inserted between the pair of arm portions 42 on the side closer to the operation gripping portion 44 than the fulcrum deformation portion 43 of the fuse puller fixing structure 51. The first press-fitting portion 71 can prevent the fuse puller 41 in the attached state from moving in the arm arrangement direction D2.

[0061] The restricting portion 73 is formed in a rib shape. When viewed along the mounting direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the restricting portion 73 is perpendicular to the above-described symmetry axis A1. The longitudinal direction of the restricting portion 73 is arranged along the arm arrangement direction D2, which is the direction in which the pair of arm portions 42 (in other words, the pair of operation gripping portions 44) are arranged. In the attached state, the restricting portion 73 faces the pair of operation gripping portions 44 provided on the fuse puller 41 in the direction of the symmetry axis A1.

[0062] In the attached state, the restricting portion 73 contacts the end surface on the operation gripping portion 44 side of the fuse puller 41. Thereby, the fuse puller 41 can be prevented from moving in the direction of the symmetry axis A1.

[0063] The second holding part 62 includes a second press-fitting part 81, a connecting part 82, a spacer convex part (convex part) 83, and a support rib 84. The second press-fitting part 81, the connecting part 82, the spacer convex part 83, and the support rib 84 are integrally formed. The second press-fitting part 81 and the support rib 84 are each formed in a pair.

[0064] The pair of second press-fitting parts 81 are each formed in a rib shape. The pair of second press-fitting parts 81 are arranged at intervals so as to face each other with the symmetry axis A1 in the mounted state of the fuse puller 41 interposed therebetween. One end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second press-fitting part 81 is connected to the connecting part 82.

[0065] The connecting part 82 is formed in a rib shape. When viewed along the mounting direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 82 is perpendicular to the aforementioned symmetry axis A1. The longitudinal direction of the connecting part 82 is arranged along the arm arrangement direction D2, which is the direction in which the pair of arm parts 42 (in other words, the pair of clamping parts 45) are arranged. One end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 82 is connected to one second press-fitting part 81, and the other end portion is connected to the second press-fitting part 81 on the opposite side. In the mounted state, the connecting part 82 faces the pair of clamping parts 45 provided in the fuse puller 41 in the direction of the symmetry axis A1.

[0066] On the surface of each second press-fitting part 81 facing the second press-fitting part 81 on the opposite side, a flat press-fitting surface is formed. This press-fitting surface can contact the surface of the arm part 42 (in other words, the clamping part 45) facing the side opposite to the symmetry axis A1.

[0067] The spacer convex part 83 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the housing 11. The spacer convex part 83 is formed in a rib shape. When viewed along the mounting direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the spacer convex part 83 is perpendicular to the aforementioned symmetry axis A1. One end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction of the spacer convex part 83 is connected to one second press-fitting part 81, and the other end portion is connected to the second press-fitting part 81 on the opposite side. In the first holding part 61, a convex part having the same configuration as the spacer convex part 83 is not formed.

[0068] As described above, the dimension of the clamping portion 45 in the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41 is smaller than the dimension of the operation gripping portion 44 in the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, both ends of the clamping portion 45 in the width direction D3 are offset inward in the width direction by a distance L1 from both ends of the operation gripping portion 44 in the width direction D3, respectively.

[0069] The distance L2 by which the spacer convex portion 83 protrudes is configured to be equal to or greater than the above-described distance L1 (L2≧L1). FIG. 4 shows a case where L2>L1. As a result, a gap corresponding to the distance L2 is formed between the clamping portion 45 of the fuse puller 41 in the mounted state and the outer surface of the housing 11. Therefore, by the operator hooking the tip of a finger in this gap, the fuse puller 41 can be easily removed from the fuse puller fixing structure 51.

[0070] Corresponding to the fact that the fuse puller 41 is formed in a tapered shape with a narrow tip as described above, the pair of second press-fitting portions 81 are also configured in a tapered shape in which the interval decreases as the distance from the first holding portion 61 increases, as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, when the clamping portion 45 of the fuse puller 41 is press-fitted into the second press-fitting portion 81, the reaction force received by the fuse puller 41 from the second press-fitting portion 81 has a component in the direction of pressing the fuse puller 41 toward the first holding portion 61. As a result, the fuse puller 41 stops in a state where the end face on the operation gripping portion 44 side shown in FIG. 4 is in contact with the regulating portion 73.

[0071] In other words, the contact surface where the regulating portion 73 contacts the fuse puller 41 has a function of determining the posture of the fuse puller 41 when viewed in the arm alignment direction D2. Therefore, when the distance L2 is larger than the distance L1 as shown in FIG. 4, not only the clamping portion 45 but also the operation gripping portion 44 forms a gap with respect to the housing 11, but the rattling of the fuse puller 41 can be prevented by the regulating portion 73.

[0072] A pair of support ribs 84 are formed so as to connect to the surfaces on the side opposite to the press-fitting surfaces in the respective second press-fitting portions 81. Similar to the connection portions 82 and the spacer convex portions 83, the support ribs 84 enhance the mechanical strength of the second press-fitting portions 81. Thereby, when inserted between the pair of second press-fitting portions 81, deformation in which the second press-fitting portions 81 fall outward can be prevented.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the fuse puller 41 is pushed into the fuse puller fixing structure 51 with the fingers of an operator in a state where the width direction D3 is along the mounting direction D1. Thereby, the fuse puller 41 is press-fitted into the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 and fixed by the frictional holding force.

[0074] In the prior art, the portion of the operation gripping portion 44 of the fuse puller 41 was hooked and held by a holding claw, but in the present embodiment, there is no holding claw.

[0075] In the prior art, since the peripheral portion of the holding claw is elastically deformed every time the fuse puller is mounted and removed, the durability is reduced. Further, in order to form the holding claw by injection molding, it is necessary to form a through hole in the housing at a position corresponding to the portion of the holding claw, but this reduces the waterproofness of the electrical connection box. Although it is conceivable to use a slide mold as one method of avoiding the formation of the through hole, the structure of the mold is complicated. Also, it is conceivable to form the holding claw using a molding method called undercut, but the molding becomes more difficult. In this regard, since the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment does not have a holding claw, all of the above problems can be solved.

[0076] Next, the direction in which a force is applied to the pair of arm portions 42 as a result of the fuse puller 41 being press-fitted into the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 will be described.

[0077] As a result of attaching the fuse puller 41 to the fuse puller fixing structure 51, strong forces act on the fuse puller 41 from the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81. If the fuse puller 41 undergoes significant plastic deformation in the direction of increasing the distance between the pair of clamping portions 45 shown in FIG. 3, the claw portion 48 cannot catch on the recessed portion 21, and thus the fuse 20 cannot be pulled out.

[0078] In this regard, the first press-fitting portion 71 of the present embodiment is configured to apply a force from the inside in the direction of increasing the distance between the pair of operation gripping portions 44. Further, the second press-fitting portion 81 is configured to apply a force from the outside in the direction of decreasing the distance between the pair of clamping portions 45. Therefore, even if plastic deformation occurs in the fuse puller 41, the function of clamping the fuse 20 by the clamping portion 45 is not impaired.

[0079] Next, a configuration for facilitating the attachment of the fuse puller 41 to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 will be described.

[0080] In the first holding portion 61, a first insertion portion 77 is provided at the tip of the first press-fitting portion 71 in the protruding direction from the outer surface of the housing 11. The first insertion portion 77 is formed in a rib shape and protrudes in the same direction as the first press-fitting portion 71. When viewed in the mounting direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the first insertion portion 77 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first press-fitting portion 71. The thickness of the first insertion portion 77 is smaller than the thickness of the first press-fitting portion 71. A first tapered portion 78 is formed at the boundary between the first insertion portion 77 and the first press-fitting portion 71. The second tapered portion 88 is inclined so as to move away from the symmetry axis A1 of the mounted fuse puller 41 as it approaches the second press-fitting portion 81.

[0081] Similarly, in the second holding portion 62, at the tip of each of the pair of second press-fitting portions 81 in the direction in which they project from the outer surface of the housing 11, a second insertion portion 87 is provided. The second insertion portion 87 is formed in a rib shape and projects in the same direction as the second press-fitting portion 81. When viewed in the mounting direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the second insertion portion 87 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second press-fitting portion 81. The thickness of the second insertion portion 87 is smaller than the thickness of the second press-fitting portion 81. At the boundary between the second insertion portion 87 and the second press-fitting portion 81, a second tapered portion 88 is formed. The second tapered portion 88 is inclined so as to approach the symmetry axis A1 of the fuse puller 41 in the mounted state as it approaches the second press-fitting portion 81.

[0082] When attempting to mount the fuse puller 41 to the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62, first, the first insertion portion 77 enters between the first reinforcing ribs 47, 47, and the arm portions 42, 42 enter between the second insertion portions 87, 87. That is, before the press-fitting is performed, the fuse puller 41 is roughly positioned according to the first insertion portion 77 and the second insertion portion 87. Therefore, the fuse puller 41 can be easily and correctly mounted to the fuse puller fixing structure 51. Further, as the fuse puller 41 is inserted into the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62, the tapered surfaces of the first tapered portion 78 and the second tapered portion 88 guide the fuse puller 41 to the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81, so that a smooth transition to the press-fitted state is possible and the workability is good.

[0083] Next, the relationship between the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 will be described.

[0084] Figures 5 and 6 show the state of the fuse puller 41 being attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51. Figure 5 shows the timing when the operation gripping portion 44 side of the fuse puller 41 starts press-fitting into the first press-fitting portion 71. Figure 6 shows the timing when the fuse puller 41 is further pushed in from the state of Figure 5 and the clamping portion 45 side starts press-fitting into the second press-fitting portion 81. In this way, the protruding lengths of the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 are determined in consideration of the aforementioned distance L1 so that a time difference occurs in the start of press-fitting of the fuse puller 41 into the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81. Thereby, the force of pushing in the fuse puller 41 with a finger for press-fitting can be reduced.

[0085] As described above, the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment is formed to protrude from the housing 11 in order to fix the fuse puller 41 to the housing 11 in a detachable state. The fuse puller 41 is used to pull out the detachable fuse 20 from the housing 11. The fuse puller 41 includes an operation gripping portion 44 and a clamping portion 45. A pair of operation gripping portions 44 are provided. A pair of clamping portions 45 are provided to clamp the fuse 20. The fuse puller fixing structure 51 includes a first holding portion 61 and a second holding portion 62. The first holding portion 61 holds the operation gripping portion 44. The second holding portion 62 holds the clamping portion 45. The first holding portion 61 includes a first press-fitting portion 71 into which the fuse puller 41 is press-fitted. The second holding portion 62 includes a second press-fitting portion 81 into which the fuse puller 41 is press-fitted.

[0086] Thereby, by press-fitting the fuse puller 41, the fuse puller 41 can be fixed to the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62 by the frictional holding force of the press-fitted portion. Further, since the fuse puller 41 is press-fitted and fixed to the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62, the attachment / detachment work of the fuse puller 41 becomes easy. In addition, compared with the conventional technology that adopted the method of holding the operation gripping portion of the fuse puller by hooking it with a claw, it is possible to prevent a decrease in durability due to deformation of the claw and to simplify the mold for molding.

[0087] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, the first press-fitting portion 71 contacts from the inside so as to widen the interval between the pair of operation gripping portions 44. The second press-fitting portions 81 are formed in a pair and contact from the outside so as to narrow the interval between the pair of sandwiching portions 45.

[0088] Thereby, the fuse puller 41 in a state of being attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 receives a force in a direction of narrowing the interval between the pair of sandwiching portions 45 by the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81. Therefore, even if the fuse puller 41 is plastically deformed, a state in which the fuse 20 can be sandwiched by the fuse puller 41 can be maintained.

[0089] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, the first holding portion 61 includes a first insertion portion 77 disposed on the front side of the first press-fitting portion 71 in the above-described attachment direction D1. The second holding portion 62 includes a pair of second insertion portions 87 disposed on the front side of the second press-fitting portion 81 in the attachment direction D1. The first insertion portion 77 retracts inward with respect to the pair of operation gripping portions 44 more than the first press-fitting portion 71. The second insertion portion 87 retracts outward with respect to the pair of sandwiching portions 45 more than the second press-fitting portion 81.

[0090] Thereby, before press-fitting and fixing the fuse puller 41 to the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62, the approximate position of the fuse puller 41 can be determined by the first insertion portion 77 and the second insertion portion 87. Therefore, the fuse puller 41 can be easily attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51.

[0091] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, the first holding portion 61 includes a first tapered portion 78 disposed between the first press-fitting portion 71 and the first insertion portion 77. The second holding portion 62 includes a second tapered portion 88 disposed between the second press-fitting portion 81 and the second insertion portion 87.

[0092] Thereby, the fuse puller 41 is guided to the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 by the guidance of the first tapered portion 78 and the second tapered portion 88, and a press-fitted state can be realized smoothly.

[0093] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, the second holding portion 62 includes a support rib 84 that protrudes on the side opposite to the direction in which the pair of second press-fitting portions 81 face each other.

[0094] This can prevent the second holding portion 62 from deforming outward due to the reaction force during the press-fitting and fixing of the fuse puller 41.

[0095] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, in the process of attaching the fuse puller 41 to the fuse puller fixing structure 51, the timing at which the fuse puller 41 starts press-fitting into the first press-fitting portion 71 and the timing at which the fuse puller 41 starts press-fitting into the second press-fitting portion 81 are different.

[0096] This enables the fuse puller 41 to be attached to the fuse puller fixing structure 51 with a small force.

[0097] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, on at least one side in the width direction D3 of the fuse puller 41, the clamping portion 45 is narrower than the operation gripping portion 44 in the width direction D3. In the second holding portion 62, a spacer convex portion 83 that can contact the narrowed portion is provided to protrude from the housing 11.

[0098] This allows the fuse puller 41 to utilize the narrowed portion to form a gap where an operator can hook the tip of a finger. Therefore, the fuse puller 41 can be easily removed from the fuse puller fixing structure 51.

[0099] In the fuse puller fixing structure 51 of the present embodiment, the first holding portion 61 includes a restricting portion 73 that restricts the movement of the fuse puller 41 in the arm alignment direction D2 in which the first holding portion 61 and the second holding portion 62 are aligned.

[0100] This enables the fuse puller 41 to be appropriately held in a predetermined position.

[0101] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above configuration can be changed, for example, as follows. The changes may be made individually or a plurality of changes may be made in any combination.

[0102] The fuse puller fixing structure 51 may be provided at any location of the housing 11. For example, the fuse puller fixing structure 51 may be disposed on the inner surface of the openable / closable cover constituting the housing 11.

[0103] The above-described fixing structure may be used to fix an electrical component extractor other than the fuse puller 41, for example, a relay puller.

[0104] In the fuse puller 41, at least any one of the first reinforcing rib 47, the second reinforcing rib 49, and the protrusion 46 may be omitted.

[0105] A pair of first press-fitting portions 71 may be formed and contact the outside of the fuse puller 41 so as to narrow the interval between the pair of operation gripping portions 44.

[0106] The second press-fitting portion 81 may contact the inside of the fuse puller 41 so as to widen the interval between the pair of clamping portions 45.

[0107] The fuse puller 41 does not necessarily have to be configured such that the clamping portion 45 is narrower than the operation gripping portion 44 in the width direction D3. For example, the operation gripping portion 44 and the clamping portion 45 may have equal dimensions in the width direction D3.

[0108] The spacer convex portion 83 may be formed in a separated state without being connected to at least one side of the second press-fitting portion 81. The shape of the spacer convex portion 83 is not limited to a rib shape and can be formed, for example, as a circular protrusion.

[0109] The fuse puller 41 can also be configured such that the operation gripping portion 44 is narrower than the clamping portion 45 in the width direction D3. In this case, the spacer convex portion 83 can be omitted, and a convex portion having a similar function can be provided on the side of the first holding portion 61.

[0110] In the first holding portion 61, at least any one of the boss portion 72, the restricting portion 73, the first insertion portion 77, and the first tapered portion 78 can be omitted.

[0111] The restricting portion 73 can be changed to any shape as long as it can contact the fuse puller 41 to prevent movement.

[0112] In the process of attaching the fuse puller 41 to the fuse puller fixing structure 51, the timing at which press-fitting into the first press-fitting portion 71 starts may be later than the timing at which press-fitting into the second press-fitting portion 81 starts. Press-fitting into the first press-fitting portion 71 and the second press-fitting portion 81 may start simultaneously.

[0113] In the second holding portion 62, at least any one of the connecting portion 82, the boss portion 72, the second insertion portion 87, and the second tapered portion 88 can be omitted. The second insertion portion 87 and the second tapered portion 88 can be omitted either only on one side or both sides.

[0114] The support rib 84 does not have to protrude on the side opposite to the direction in which the pair of second press-fitting portions 81 face each other. For example, the connecting portion 82 may be omitted, and a reinforcing rib may be arranged at the portion of the connecting portion 82 so as to protrude from the second press-fitting portion 81 in the direction in which the pair of second press-fitting portions 81 face each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1 Electric connection box 11 Housing 20 Fuse (electrical component) 41 Fuse puller (electrical component extractor) 44 Operation gripping portion 45 Clamping portion 51 Fuse puller fixing structure (electrical component extractor fixing structure) 61 First holding portion 62 Second holding portion 71 First press-fitting portion 73 Restricting portion 77 First insertion portion 78 First tapered portion 81 Second press-fitting part 84 Support rib 87 Second insertion part 88 Second tapered part

Claims

1. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure formed to protrude from the housing for fixing, in a detachable state, an electrical component extraction tool used to extract a detachable electrical component from the housing, wherein the electrical component extraction tool comprises a pair of operation gripping parts, and a pair of clamping parts provided to clamp the electrical component, and the electrical component extraction tool fixing structure comprises a first holding part for holding the operation gripping part, and a second holding part for holding the clamping part, and the first holding part includes a first press-fitting part into which the electrical component extraction tool is press-fitted, and the second holding part includes a second press-fitting part into which the electrical component extraction tool is press-fitted. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure characterized by the above.

2. The electrical component extraction tool fixing structure according to Claim 1, wherein the first press-fitting part contacts from the inside so as to widen the interval between the pair of operation gripping parts, and the second press-fitting part is formed in a pair and contacts from the outside so as to narrow the interval between the pair of clamping parts. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure characterized by the above.

3. The electrical component extraction tool fixing structure according to Claim 2, wherein the first holding part includes a first insertion part disposed on the front side of the first press-fitting part in the mounting direction of the electrical component extraction tool to the electrical component extraction tool fixing structure, the second holding part includes a pair of second insertion parts disposed on the front side of the second press-fitting part in the mounting direction, the first insertion part retracts inward with respect to the pair of operation gripping parts more than the first press-fitting part, and the second insertion part retracts outward with respect to the pair of clamping parts more than the second press-fitting part. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure characterized by the above.

4. The electrical component extraction tool fixing structure according to Claim 3, wherein the first holding part includes a first tapered part disposed between the first press-fitting part and the first insertion part, and the second holding part includes a second tapered part disposed between the second press-fitting part and the second insertion part. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure characterized by the above.

5. The electrical component extraction tool fixing structure according to Claim 2, wherein the second holding part includes a support rib protruding on the side opposite to the direction in which the pair of second press-fitting parts face each other. An electrical component extraction tool fixing structure characterized by the above.

6. The electrical component extraction tool fixing structure according to Claim 1, An electrical component extractor fixing structure, characterized in that in the process of attaching the electrical component extractor to the electrical component extractor fixing structure, the timing at which the electrical component extractor starts press-fitting into the first press-fitting portion and the timing at which the electrical component extractor starts press-fitting into the second press-fitting portion are different.

7. The electrical component extractor fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein on at least one side in the width direction of the electrical component extractor, the clamping portion is narrower than the operation gripping portion in the width direction, and in the second holding portion, a convex portion capable of contacting the narrowed portion protrudes from the housing.

8. The electrical component extractor fixing structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first holding portion includes a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the electrical component extractor in the direction in which the first holding portion and the second holding portion are aligned.

9. An electrical connection box, characterized by comprising the electrical component extractor fixing structure according to claim 1.

Images