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 in the surface, a handle including a pair of standing portions standing from the surface while being separated in an arrangement direction along the surface and a grip portion extending between the pair of standing portions, and a cover capable of opening and closing the opening, in which the cover includes a first lock capable of being fitted to the handle 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, a handle having a pair of raised portions standing up from the surface at a distance from each other in an arrangement direction along the surface and a gripping portion extending across the pair of raised portions, and a cover capable of opening and closing the opening, the cover having a first lock that can be engaged with the handle when the cover is open. [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 a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-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. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the electrical connection unit according to the first modified example of the embodiment when the cover is closed. 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), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or 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 handle 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 shafts 21 and a pair of ribs 22 .

[0013] The handle 3 includes a pair of standing portions 31 and a grip portion 32. A user can hold the electrical connection unit 1 by gripping the grip portion 32.

[0014] The cover 4 can open and close the opening 2p. The cover 4 includes a pair of bearing portions 41, a lid portion 42, a first lock 43, and a pair of second locks 44. For example, the cover 4 may further include 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. "Accommodated" is not limited to cases where the entire part is accommodated, but may include cases where only a part of the part is accommodated (a state in which the remaining part of the part protrudes).

[0016] "Covering" may include "covering most of the surface while leaving a portion exposed." In addition, in the present 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 a pair of upright portions 31 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 an "arrangement direction." Note that the "arrangement 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 with (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 the positions where the pair of standing portions 31 protrude from the surface 2s. 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."

[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 Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ribs 22 are structured to support the handle 3 in an upright position in the +Z direction. Each rib 22 protrudes from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. Each rib 22 is continuous with the corresponding upright portion 31 and extends in the +X direction toward the opening 2p. Each rib 22 may be a flat plate extending straight and parallel to the X direction. For example, the protruding height of each rib 22 from the surface 2s may gradually decrease at least in part with increasing distance from the upright portion 31.

[0025] The pair of shafts 21 are provided between the pair of ribs 22. Each shaft 21 has an axis extending in the Y direction. Each shaft 21 is continuous with the corresponding rib 22. When viewed from the Z direction, the pair of shafts 21 are located on the -X direction side of the opening 2p, between the opening 2p and the handle 3. Each shaft 21 has an axis extending in the Y direction. The pair of shafts 21 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The pair of shafts 21 are aligned with each other and are coaxially arranged in the Y direction.

[0026] <3. Handle configuration> The detailed structure of the handle 3 will be described. The pair of standing portions 31 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each standing portion 31 stands up from the surface 2s in the +Z direction. The grip portion 32 extends in the Y direction across the pair of standing portions 31. The grip portion 32 and the pair of standing portions 31 are molded continuously and integrally to form an integrally molded product.

[0027] For example, gripping portion 32 may be continuous from the tip of standing portion 31 on the -Y direction side that extends in the +Z direction, smoothly curve from the +Z direction to the +Y direction, and extend further in the +Y direction from the bent tip. Furthermore, gripping portion 32 may be continuous from the tip that extends in the +Y direction, smoothly curve in the -Z direction, and extend to the +Z direction tip of standing portion 31 on the +Y direction side.

[0028] The handle 3 and the ribs 22 are integrally molded to form an integrally molded product. For example, the surface 2s, the handle 3, and the pair of ribs 22 may be integrally molded from a resin material to form an integrally molded product.

[0029] <4. Cover composition> The detailed configuration of the cover 4 will be described. The lid portion 42 has a planar, expanding 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. When the cover 4 opens the opening 2p (when the cover 4 is open), the lid portion 42 extends in the +Z direction from each bearing portion 41 so as to expose the opening 2p. The cover 4 has an outer surface 4s facing the +Z direction, which is the direction in which the surface 2s faces when the cover 4 is closed. For example, the outer surface 4s may be a flat surface.

[0030] 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.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first lock 43 can engage with the grip portion 32 when the cover 4 is open. The first lock 43 is located on the lid portion 42. The first lock 43 protrudes from the outer surface 4s in the direction in which the outer surface 4s faces. The first lock 43 has a first claw portion 48. When the cover 4 is opened, the first claw portion 48 climbs over the upper end of the grip portion 32 and hooks onto the surface of the grip portion 32 facing the -X direction, temporarily holding the cover 4 in the open state.

[0032] 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 opened, each protrusion 45 comes into contact with the flat surface of the corresponding rib 22 facing the +Y direction. When the cover 4 is opened, each protrusion 45 is pressed against the flat surface of the corresponding rib 22 facing the +Y direction. Due to this pressure, the pair of protrusions 45, together with the first claw portions 48, temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state.

[0033] Each second lock 44 can be fitted into a corresponding recess 2r. The pair of second locks 44 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Of the pair of second locks 44, one second lock 44 is provided on the outer side of the lid portion 42 in the +Y direction. Of the pair of second locks 44, the other second lock 44 is provided on the outer side of the lid portion 42 in the -Y direction.

[0034] Each second lock 44 fits into a corresponding recess 2r to hold the cover 4 in the closed state. For example, the pair of bearing portions 41, the lid portion 42, the first lock 43, the pair of second locks 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 may be integrally molded from a resin material to form an integrally molded product.

[0035] Each second lock 44 has a second claw 49 that protrudes in the Y direction, away from the lid 42. When the cover 4 is closed, the second 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 second lock 44 with the recess 2r. When the engaged second lock 44 is bent toward the lid 42 by an operation by a user, worker, etc., the second claw 49 disengages from the edge 2e and is released from engagement with the recess 2r.

[0036] <5. Actions and Effects> According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first lock 43 of the cover 4 can be fitted to the grip portion 32 of the handle 3. This configuration makes it possible to temporarily hold the cover 4 in an open state, which makes it easier to reduce the space required.

[0037] 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 upright portion of the handle. If a compression rib 904 is required, the mounting space and amount of resin will increase. In contrast to this comparative example, a compression rib is not required in this embodiment. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the space. Furthermore, the amount of resin can be reduced.

[0038] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first lock 43 is located on the lid portion 42 that extends from the bearing portion 41 to cover the opening 2p. This configuration makes it possible to fix the cover 4 with a small force at a position away from the axis of the shaft portion 21, which is the rotation axis of the cover 4. This makes it easy to maintain the cover 4 in an open state.

[0039] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the first lock 43 protrudes from the outer surface 4s. With this configuration, the first lock 43 can be engaged with the grip portion 32 in conjunction with the rotational action of opening the cover 4. This makes it easy to perform the temporary holding operation.

[0040] The electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment is provided with the second lock 44. With this configuration, the cover 4 can be held in the closed state, making it easier to maintain the cover 4 in the closed state.

[0041] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the cover 4 includes the protrusion 45 that is pressed by the rib 22. This configuration, together with the first lock 43, makes it possible to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. This makes it easy to perform maintenance inside the housing 2.

[0042] For example, in the comparative example described above, a compression rib 904 is required in addition to the support rib 903 that supports the upright portion of the handle. In contrast to this comparative example, in this embodiment, the rib 22 has both the function of supporting the upright portion 31 of the handle 3 and the function of temporarily holding the cover 4 in the open state. This allows for reductions in the installation space and amount of resin.

[0043] According to the electrical connection unit 1 of this embodiment, the handle 3 and the rib 22 are integrally molded. With this configuration, multiple components required for temporary holding can be molded at once.

[0044] <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.

[0045] (Variation 1) In one example of this embodiment, the pair of protrusions 45, together with the hooking of the first claws 48, temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. However, the electrical connection unit 1 may be configured in any way as long as it can temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state.

[0046] As a modification, the electrical connection unit may be an electrical connection unit 101 as shown in Fig. 8. The electrical connection unit 101 includes a cover 104 instead of the cover 4.

[0047] The cover 104 can open and close the opening 2p. The cover 104 includes a pair of bearing portions 41, a lid portion 42, a first lock 43, and a pair of second locks 44. That is, no protrusions are provided on each bearing portion 41. For example, since no protrusions are provided on the pair of bearing portions 41, they do not need to be pressed by the pair of ribs 22. Meanwhile, the cover 4 is temporarily held in the open state by only the engagement of the first claw portions 48.

[0048] In this modification, the pair of ribs 22 do not need to press against the pair of protrusions, and therefore only need to support the upright position of the handle 3. If only this function is required, the size of the pair of ribs 22 can be reduced, making it easier to reduce space. In addition, this modification does not have a pair of protrusions, making it possible to reduce the amount of resin used.

[0049] (Variation 2) In one example of this embodiment, the surface 2s, the handle 3, and the pair of ribs 22 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 an open state. As a modified example, at least some of the components of the surface 2s, the handle 3, and the pair of ribs 22 may be separately molded from a resin material. As another modified example, at least some of the components of the surface 2s, the handle 3, and the pair of ribs 22 may be molded integrally or separately from a metal material.

[0050] (Variation 3) In one example of this embodiment, the pair of bearings 41, the lid portion 42, the first lock 43, the second 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 lid portion 42, the first lock 43, the second 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 lid portion 42, the first lock 43, the pair of second locks 44, and the pair of protrusions 45 may be molded integrally or separately from a metal material.

[0051] (Variation 4) In one example of this embodiment, the grip portion 32 bends from the +Z direction to the +Y direction, extends in the +Y direction, and bends from the +Y direction to the -Z direction. However, the grip portion 32 may have any shape as long as the first lock 43 can engage with the grip portion 32 when the cover 4 is open. As a variation, the grip portion 32 may not extend in the +Y direction, but may have an arc shape that bends continuously from the +Z direction to the -Z direction as a whole.

[0052] (Variation 5) In one example of this embodiment, the first lock 43 is engageable with the grip portion 32 of the handle 3. However, the first lock 43 may be configured in any way as long as it is engageable with the handle 3. As a variation, the first lock 43 may be engageable with at least one of the grip portion 32 and the pair of standing portions 31.

[0053] (Variation 6) In one example of this embodiment, each rib 22 of the pair of ribs 22 extends straight and parallel to the X direction. However, each rib 22 may extend in any direction as long as it can support the corresponding upright portion 31 and can be used to temporarily hold the cover 4 in the open state. As a modified example, each rib 22 may extend in the X direction while bending in the Y direction. As another modified example, each rib 22 may extend in the X direction while inclining in the Y direction.

[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 Handle 4 Cover 4s outer surface 21 Shaft 22 Ribs 25 Bottom plate 26 Top plate 27 Peripheral wall 31 Standing part 32 Gripping part 41 Bearing 42 Lid 43 First Lock 44 Second Lock 45 Protrusion 48 1st claw part 49 2nd claw part 101 Electrical Connection Unit 104 Cover 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; a handle including a pair of upstanding portions that are spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction along the surface and that stand up from the surface, and a grip portion that extends across the pair of upstanding portions; a cover that can open and close the opening; Equipped with The cover includes a first lock engageable with the handle when the cover is open. 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 the arrangement direction and positioned between the lid portion and the pair of upright portions 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 first lock is located on the lid. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 .

3. the cover has an outer surface facing in a direction in which the surface faces when the cover is closed; The first lock protrudes from the outer surface.

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

4. the housing has recesses on both sides of the openings in the arrangement direction, the cover further includes a second lock capable of fitting into the recess; 3. The electrical connection unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the housing includes ribs extending from each upright portion toward the opening; The cover includes a protrusion that is pressed against the rib when the cover is opened.

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

6. The handle and the rib are integrally molded.

6. The electrical connection unit according to claim 5.

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