Electrical connection unit

Abstract

One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit in which a space is easily reduced.SOLUTION: An electrical connection unit according to an embodiment includes a housing having a surface and an opening that opens in the surface, a standing structure standing from the surface, and a cover capable of opening and closing the opening, wherein the housing includes a rib extending in an extending direction from the standing structure toward the opening, and the cover includes a protrusion that is pressed by the rib when the cover is opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical connection unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As an electrical connection unit, an electrical connection box such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-191711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electrical junction box disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that the cover member is held in an open state by a locking claw on the cover side and a locking claw on the main body side. However, in such an electrical connection unit, a space is required to provide a locking claw on the main body that corresponds to the locking claw on the cover, so it can be difficult to reduce the space required.

[0005] One embodiment provides an electrical connection unit that is space-saving and easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the electrical connection unit comprises a housing having a surface and an opening on the surface, an upstanding structure standing from the surface, and a cover capable of opening and closing the opening, wherein the housing has a rib extending in an extension direction from the upstanding structure toward the opening, and the cover has a protrusion that is pressed by the rib when the cover is opened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, space is easily reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit according to the embodiment when the cover is closed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a housing of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the embodiment when the cover is open. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. 3 . [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the comparative example when the cover is closed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit of the comparative example when the cover is open. [Figure 7] Enlarged view of part VII in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. Note that the configurations described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] (Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the electrical connection unit> The electrical connection unit 1 is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The electrical connection unit 1 may also be referred to as an "electrical connection box" or a "junction box." However, the electrical connection unit 1 is not limited to a box-shaped device. The electrical connection unit 1 includes, for example, a housing 2, a standing structure 3, and a cover 4.

[0011] 1, the housing 2 has a surface 2s, an opening 2p, and a pair of recesses 2r. The opening 2p is open at the surface 2s.

[0012] The housing 2 includes a pair of shaft portions 21, a first rib 22, and a second rib 23. The first rib 22 is an example of a "rib." The second rib 23 is an example of a "rib." For example, the housing 2 may further include a recessed structure 28.

[0013] The standing structure 3 includes a connector 31 and an expansion housing portion 32 .

[0014] The cover 4 is capable of opening and closing the opening 2p. The cover 4 includes a pair of bearing portions 41, a lid portion 42, a pair of locks 44, and a pair of protrusions 45.

[0015] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: "Parallel," "orthogonal," or "same" may include the cases of "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," or "substantially the same," respectively. "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection, but may also include electrical connection. That is, "connection" is not limited to a direct connection between two elements to be connected, but may include a connection between two elements to be connected via another element interposed therebetween. "Containment" is not limited to a case where the entire component is contained, but may include a case where only a portion of the component is contained (with the remaining portion of the component protruding). "Covering" may include a case where "covering most of the component while exposing a portion."

[0016] In this disclosure, the +X direction, −X direction, +Y direction, −Y direction, +Z direction, and −Z direction are defined as follows:

[0017] The Y direction is the direction in which the pair of shaft portions 21 are aligned within a plane along the surface 2s. The +Y direction is one of the Y directions. The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +Y direction and the -Y direction, they will simply be referred to as the "Y direction." The Y direction is an example of the "axial direction," which is the direction in which the axis of each shaft portion 21 extends. Note that the "axial direction" is not limited to the Y direction, and may be the X direction, Z direction, or other direction.

[0018] The X direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the Y direction within a plane along the surface 2s. The +X direction is one of the X directions. For example, the +X direction may be the X direction in which the openings 2p are aligned with respect to the upright structure 3. The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +X direction and the -X direction, they will simply be referred to as the "X direction." The X direction is an example of an "extension direction," which is the direction in which each of the first rib 22 and the second rib 23 extends.

[0019] The Z direction is a direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the Z direction may be the up-down direction. The +Z direction is one of the Z directions. For example, the +Z direction may be the direction in which the surface 2s faces. For example, the +Z direction may be the up direction. The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the +Z direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the +Z direction and the -Z direction, they will simply be referred to as the "Z direction." Note that the "up-down direction" is not limited to the Z direction, but may be the X direction, the Y direction, or another direction.

[0020] Hereinafter, the +Z direction side may be referred to as "upper" and the -Z direction side as "lower." However, these expressions are used for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the direction of gravity of the electrical connection unit 1 (the installation posture of the electrical connection unit 1).

[0021] <2. Housing configuration> The detailed configuration of the housing 2 will be described. The housing 2 is the main structure for accommodating components. The housing 2 has an outline of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped overall. The housing 2 further includes a bottom plate 25, a top plate 26, and a peripheral wall 27. The housing 2 has a cavity 2a defined by the bottom plate 25, the top plate 26, and the peripheral wall 27. The top plate 26 has a surface 2s that faces the +Z direction. For example, the surface 2s may be a flat surface.

[0022] The opening 2p is connected to the cavity 2a, allowing users, workers, etc. to replace parts inside the cavity 2a through the opening 2p. As shown in Fig. 2, the opening 2p is open along an imaginary line La having a rectangular outer periphery when viewed from the Z direction.

[0023] The housing 2 has recesses 2r on both sides of the opening 2p in the Y direction. Each recess 2r is recessed in the Y direction from the imaginary line La toward the outside of the opening 2p with respect to the inner periphery of the opening 2p. Each recess 2r is recessed in the Y direction from the surface 2s to the -Z direction. The inner periphery of each recess 2r is continuous with the inner periphery of the opening 2p. The edge 2e of each recess 2r protrudes toward the opening 2p compared to the other inner periphery of each recess 2r facing the opening 2p.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first rib 22 is a structure for supporting the connector 31 in an upright position in the +Z direction. The first rib 22 protrudes from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. The first rib 22 extends in the +X direction, continuing from the connector 31, toward the opening 2p. For example, the first rib 22 may be a flat plate extending straight and parallel to the X direction. For example, the protruding height of at least a portion of the first rib 22 from the surface 2s may gradually decrease with increasing distance from the connector 31.

[0025] The second rib 23 is a structure for supporting the expanding accommodating section 32 in an upright position in the +Z direction. The second rib 23 protrudes from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. The second rib 23 extends in the +X direction, continuing from the expanding accommodating section 32, toward the opening 2p. For example, the second rib 23 may be a flat plate extending straight and parallel to the X direction. For example, the protruding height of the second rib 23 from the surface 2s may gradually decrease at least in a portion of the second rib 23 with increasing distance from the expanding accommodating section 32.

[0026] The pair of shaft portions 21 are provided between the first rib 22 and the second rib 23. Each shaft portion 21 has an axis extending in the Y direction. The pair of shaft portions 21 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The pair of shaft portions 21 are arranged coaxially in the Y direction with their axes aligned. Of the pair of shaft portions 21, the shaft portion 21 on the -Y direction side is continuous with the first rib 22 and extends from the first rib 22 in the +Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the shaft portion 21 on the -Y direction side of the pair of shaft portions 21 is on the -X direction side of the opening 2p and is located between the opening 2p and the connector 31. Of the pair of shaft portions 21, the shaft portion 21 on the +Y direction side is continuous with the second rib 23 and extends from the second rib 23 in the -Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, of the pair of shaft portions 21, the shaft portion 21 on the +Y direction side is on the −X direction side of the opening 2p and is located between the opening 2p and the expansion accommodating portion 32.

[0027] When viewed from the Z direction, the recessed structure 28 is located between the connector 31 and the expansion accommodating portion 32. When viewed from the Z direction, the connector 31, the recessed structure 28, and the expansion accommodating portion 32 are aligned in the Y direction. The recessed structure 28 is recessed in the -Z direction from the surface 2s. The recessed structure 28 has a plurality of reinforcing ribs 29. Each reinforcing rib 29 extends in the +Z direction from the bottom of the recessed structure 28 to a Z direction position flush with the surface 2s. For example, the multiple reinforcing ribs 29 may be combined in a lattice pattern.

[0028] <3. Configuration of the standing structure> The detailed configuration of the standing structure 3 will be described. The connector 31 and the expansion accommodating section 32 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction.

[0029] The connector 31 can be connected to a wiring material-side connector that is connected to the electrical connection unit 1. When the connector 31 is connected to the wiring material-side connector, multiple terminals of the connector 31 are electrically connected to multiple terminals of the wiring material-side connector. For example, the connector 31 may include a housing 33 and an auxiliary rib 34.

[0030] The housing 33 stands upright so as to protrude from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. The housing 33 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction. The standing posture of the housing 33 in the Z direction is supported by the first rib 22. The housing 33 is continuous with the first rib 22. A side surface 33s of the housing 33 facing the +X direction is continuous with one end of the first rib 22 on the −X direction side.

[0031] The auxiliary rib 34 supports the upright posture of the housing 33 in the Z direction, separately from the first rib 22. The auxiliary rib 34 protrudes in the +X direction from the housing 33. The auxiliary rib 34 extends in the Z direction over the entire length of the housing 33 in the Z direction. The auxiliary rib 34 continues from the side surface 33s and extends in the +X direction toward the opening 2p.

[0032] The extended accommodating section 32 accommodates some of the components accommodated in the housing 2. Specifically, the extended accommodating section 32 has an extended cavity 32a that is connected to the cavity 2a and opens toward the cavity 2a. The extended cavity 32a accommodates the portion of the components accommodated in the housing 2 that cannot be accommodated in the cavity 2a and that protrudes from the cavity 2a. The extended accommodating section 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped outline.

[0033] The expansion accommodating section 32 stands upright so as to protrude from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. The expansion accommodating section 32 is continuous with the second rib 23. A side surface 32s of the expansion accommodating section 32 facing the +X direction is continuous with one end of the first rib 22 on the −X direction side.

[0034] The first rib 22, the second rib 23, and at least a part of the standing structure 3 are integrally molded to form an integrally molded product. For example, the surface 2s, the first rib 22, the second rib 23, the housing 33, and the expansion accommodating portion 32 may be integrally molded from a resin material to form an integrally molded product.

[0035] <4. Cover composition> The detailed configuration of the cover 4 will be described. The lid portion 42 has a planar structure. When the cover 4 closes the opening 2p (when the cover 4 is closed), the lid portion 42 extends from the pair of bearing portions 41 so as to cover the opening 2p. The lid portion 42 covers the opening 2p by fitting into the opening 2p from the +Z direction. The cover 4 has an outer surface 4s facing the +Z direction, which is the direction in which the front surface 2s faces when the cover 4 is closed. As shown in FIG. 3 , the lid portion 42 extends in the +Z direction from each bearing portion 41 so as to expose the opening 2p when the cover 4 opens the opening 2p (when the cover 4 is open). For example, the outer surface 4s may be a flat surface.

[0036] Each bearing portion 41 fits into the corresponding shaft portion 21 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the corresponding shaft portion 21. In other words, each bearing portion 41 and the corresponding shaft portion 21 form a hinge with the axis of the shaft portion 21 as the center of rotation. When the cover 4 is closed, each bearing portion 41 extends so as to sandwich the corresponding shaft portion 21 from both sides in the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction, and thereby fits into the corresponding shaft portion 21. The pair of bearing portions 41 are lined up and spaced apart from each other in the Y direction.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , each protrusion 45 protrudes in the −Y direction from the surface of the corresponding bearing portion 41 facing the −Y direction. For example, each protrusion 45 may have a hemispherical shape centered on an axis of rotational symmetry in the Y direction. For example, the surface of the bearing portion 41 facing the −Y direction may be flat. When the cover 4 is open, each protrusion 45 comes into contact with the flat surface of the corresponding rib, either the first rib 22 or the second rib 23, facing the +Y direction. When the cover 4 is open, each protrusion 45 is pressed by the flat surface of the corresponding rib, either the first rib 22 or the second rib 23, facing the +Y direction. Due to this pressure, the pair of protrusions 45 temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state.

[0038] Each lock 44 can fit into a corresponding recess 2r. The pair of locks 44 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. One of the pair of locks 44 is provided on the outer side of the lid portion 42 in the +Y direction. The other of the pair of locks 44 is provided on the outer side of the lid portion 42 in the -Y direction.

[0039] Each lock 44 fits into a corresponding recess 2r to hold the cover 4 in a closed state. For example, the pair of bearing portions 41, the lid portion 42, the pair of locks 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 may be integrally molded from a resin material to form an integrally molded product.

[0040] Each lock 44 has a claw 49 that protrudes in the Y direction, away from the lid 42. When the cover 4 is closed, the claw 49 climbs over the edge 2e on the +Z direction side of the corresponding recess 2r and hooks onto the edge 2e of the recess 2r from the -Z direction side, thereby engaging the lock 44 with the recess 2r. When the engaged lock 44 is bent toward the lid 42 by an operation by a user, worker, etc., the claw 49 disengages from the edge 2e and is released from engagement with the recess 2r.

[0041] <5. Actions and Effects> According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, each protrusion 45 is pressed by a corresponding one of the first rib 22 and the second rib 23 extending from the standing structure 3. This configuration makes it possible to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state by using the ribs supporting the standing structure 3. If the ribs supporting the standing structure 3 can be used to temporarily hold the cover in the open state, there is no need for space to provide a separate rib for temporary holding. This makes it easier to reduce space.

[0042] As a comparative example, an electrical connection unit 901 such as that shown in Figures 5 to 7 can be considered. In this comparative example, when the cover is opened, the compression rib 904 and protrusion 905 of the cover are compressed, enabling temporary retention. With this configuration, a compression rib 904 is required in addition to the support rib 903 that supports the standing structure. If a compression rib 904 is required, the mounting space and amount of resin will increase.

[0043] In contrast to this comparative example, the present embodiment does not require a compression rib, which makes it easier to reduce the space required and the amount of resin required.

[0044] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the protrusions 45 protrude in the Y direction from the bearing portion 41. With this configuration, the protrusions 45 for temporary retention can be provided in the space of the bearing portion 41. This makes it easy to reduce the space required.

[0045] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rib 22 extends from the connector 31. With this configuration, the first rib 22 supporting the connector 31 can be used to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. If the first rib 22 can be used to temporarily hold the cover in the open state, there is no need for space to provide a separate rib for temporary holding. This makes it easier to reduce the space required.

[0046] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the second rib 23 extends from the expanded accommodating portion 32. With this configuration, the second rib 23, which supports the expanded accommodating portion 32, can be used to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. If the second rib 23 can be used to temporarily hold the cover in the open state, there is no need for space to provide a separate rib for temporary holding. This makes it easier to reduce the space required.

[0047] The electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment includes a lock 44. This configuration makes it possible to keep the cover 4 in a closed state. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the cover 4 in a closed state.

[0048] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first rib 22, the second rib 23, and at least a portion of the standing structure 3 are integrally molded. With this configuration, a portion of the configuration necessary for temporary retention and at least a portion of the standing structure 3 can be molded together.

[0049] <6. Variations> Next, several modified examples will be described. Note that the configuration of each modified example is the same as that of the above-described embodiment except for the configuration described below.

[0050] (Variation 1) In one example of this embodiment, the surface 2s, the first rib 22, the second rib 23, and at least a portion of the standing structure 3 are integrally molded from a resin material. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may be configured in any manner as long as the cover 4 can be temporarily held in an open state. As a modified example, at least some of the components of the surface 2s, the first rib 22, the second rib 23, and the standing structure 3 may be separately molded from a resin material. As another modified example, at least some of the components of the surface 2s, the first rib 22, the second rib 23, and the standing structure 3 may be molded integrally or separately from a metal material.

[0051] (Variation 2) In one example of this embodiment, the pair of bearings 41, the lock 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 are integrally molded from a resin material. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may be configured in any manner as long as it can temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. As a modified example, at least some of the components of the pair of bearings 41, the lock 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 may be separately molded from a resin material. As another modified example, at least some of the components of the pair of bearings 41, the lock 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 may be molded integrally or separately from a metal material.

[0052] (Variation 3) In one example of this embodiment, the first rib 22 for temporarily holding the cover 4 in the open state is a structure for supporting the connector 31. Also, in one example of this embodiment, the second rib 23 for temporarily holding the cover 4 in the open state is a structure for supporting the expansion accommodating portion 32. However, as long as the rib for supporting the standing structure can be used to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state, the rib may be a structure for supporting any standing structure. As a variation, the rib may be a structure for supporting an standing structure such as a rod structure, a plate structure, or a solid block structure standing from the surface 2s.

[0053] (Variation 4) In one example of this embodiment, each of the first rib 22 and the second rib 23 extends straight and parallel to the X direction. However, each rib may extend in any direction as long as it can support the standing structure 3 and can be used to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. As a modification, each rib may extend in the X direction while bending in the Y direction within the XY plane. As another modification, each rib may extend in the X direction while tilting in the Y direction within the XY plane.

[0054] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the above examples. For example, multiple embodiments may be realized in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Electrical Connection Unit 2. Case 2a cavity 2e Edge 2p aperture 2r recess 2s surface 3 Standing structure 4 Cover 4s outer surface 21 Shaft 22 First Rib (Rib) 23 Second Rib (Rib) 25 Bottom plate 26 Top plate 27 Peripheral wall 28 Concave structure 29 Reinforcing rib 31 Connector 32 Expansion compartment 32a Extended Cavity 32s side 33 Housing 33s side 34 Auxiliary rib 41 Bearing 42 Lid 44 Rock 45 Protrusion 49 Claw 901 Electrical Connection Unit 903 Support rib 904 Compression Rib 905 Protrusion La Virtual Line

Claims

1. a housing having a surface and an opening in the surface; an upstanding structure standing from the surface; a cover that can open and close the opening; Equipped with the housing includes a rib extending in an extension direction from the upright structure toward the opening, The cover includes a protrusion that is pressed against the rib when the cover is opened. Electrical connection unit.

2. The cover includes a bearing portion and a lid portion extending from the bearing portion to cover the opening when the cover is closed. the housing includes a shaft portion extending in an axial direction intersecting the extension direction and along the surface, the shaft portion being positioned between the lid portion and the upright structure when the cover is closed; the bearing portion is fitted to the shaft portion so as to be rotatable around the axis of the shaft portion; The protrusion protrudes from the bearing portion in the axial direction. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

3. the upstanding structure includes a connector; the rib extends from the connector toward the opening; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the upright structure includes an extended housing portion that houses a part of the component housed in the housing, The rib extends from the expansion receiving portion toward the opening.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the housing has a recess on each side of the opening in a direction intersecting the extension direction, the cover further comprises a lock capable of fitting into the recess; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The rib and at least a portion of the standing structure are integrally molded.

3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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