Cover component

Abstract

To provide a cover member that can suppress interference with surrounding components. [Solution] The cover member 50 has a first divided cover 51 that covers a first portion 21 of the power connection member 20 that extends downward along Y2, and a second divided cover 60 that covers a second portion 22 of the power connection member 20 that extends forward along X1 and the battery post P1. The first divided cover 51 has a first connecting portion 54. The second divided cover 60 has a second connecting portion 70 that can be connected to the first connecting portion 54 and is a separate part from the first divided cover 51. The second divided cover 60 has a main body portion 61 to which the second connecting portion 70 is provided, a hinge portion formed integrally with the main body portion 61, and an opening / closing portion 80 formed integrally with the main body portion 61 via the hinge portion. The opening / closing portion 80 is formed to be rotatable around the hinge portion between a closed position that covers the battery post P1 and an open position that exposes the battery post P1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cover member for protecting a battery post protruding from a battery and a power connection member attached to the battery post has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of cover member has a fuse unit protection portion arranged along the side surface of the battery, and a terminal protection portion integrally formed with the fuse unit protection portion via a hinge portion. The terminal protection portion covers the battery post and a battery terminal connected to the battery post. The terminal protection portion can be rotated upward about the hinge portion as a rotation center and opened during maintenance such as battery replacement. As a result, the battery post is exposed from the cover member, and a booster cable or the like can be connected to the battery post.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional cover member, when the terminal protection portion is rotated and opened about the hinge portion, since the rotation locus of the terminal protection portion is large, there is a risk that the terminal protection portion may interfere with peripheral members.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover member capable of suppressing interference with peripheral members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cover member of this disclosure is a cover member that protects a battery post of a battery and a power connection member attached to the battery post, and comprises a first divided cover that covers a first portion of the power connection member extending in a first direction, and a second divided cover that covers a second portion of the power connection member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the battery post, wherein the first divided cover has a first connecting portion, and the second divided cover has a second connecting portion that can be connected to the first connecting portion, and is a separate part from the first divided cover, and the second divided cover has a main body portion on which the second connecting portion is provided, a hinge portion formed integrally with the main body portion, and an opening / closing portion formed integrally with the main body portion via the hinge portion, wherein the opening / closing portion is rotatable around the hinge portion between a closed position that covers the battery post and an open position that exposes the battery post. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The cover member of this disclosure has the effect of suppressing interference with surrounding members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 5) showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the second divided cover of a cover member in one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line 9-9 in Figure 5) showing a cover member of one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The cover member of the present disclosure is a cover member that protects a battery post of a battery and a power connection member attached to the battery post, and comprises a first divided cover that covers a first portion of the power connection member extending in a first direction, and a second divided cover that covers a second portion of the power connection member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the battery post, wherein the first divided cover has a first connecting portion, and the second divided cover has a second connecting portion that can be connected to the first connecting portion, and is a separate part from the first divided cover, and the second divided cover has a main body portion on which the second connecting portion is provided, a hinge portion formed integrally with the main body portion, and an opening / closing portion formed integrally with the main body portion via the hinge portion, wherein the opening / closing portion is rotatable around the hinge portion between a closed position that covers the battery post and an open position that exposes the battery post.

[0010] In this configuration, the cover member is formed by a first divided cover and a second divided cover that can be connected to the first divided cover. The second divided cover is formed by a main body and an opening / closing part that is integrally formed with the main body via a hinge. The opening / closing part rotates between a closed position and an open position around the hinge. This allows the opening / closing part, which is a part of the second divided cover, to rotate around the hinge, rather than the entire second divided cover. Therefore, the rotation trajectory of the opening / closing part can be made smaller compared to the rotation trajectory of the second divided cover when the entire second divided cover rotates around the connection point between the first and second divided covers. As a result, interference between the opening / closing part and surrounding members can be effectively suppressed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the first split cover is assembled to the first part along the second direction, and the second split cover is assembled to the first split cover along the first direction and also assembled to the second part along the first direction.

[0012] In this configuration, the second split cover is assembled to both the first split cover and the second part of the power supply connection member along the first direction. Therefore, by moving the second split cover along the first direction, the second split cover can be assembled to the first split cover, which is assembled to the first part of the power supply connection member, and to the second part of the power supply connection member in the same process. This improves the ease of assembly of the second split cover.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the first divided cover is provided to cover the end face of the first portion in the second opposite direction, which is opposite to the second direction, and to expose the end face of the first portion in the second direction, and the second divided cover is provided to cover the end face of the second portion in the first opposite direction, which is opposite to the first direction, and to expose the end face of the second portion in the first direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, the end faces of the first portion of the power connection member in the second opposite direction can be covered by the first split cover, and the end faces of the second portion of the power connection member in the first opposite direction can be covered by the second split cover.

[0015] [4] In the above [2] or [3], the first connecting portion has a first engaging portion, the second connecting portion has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other in the first direction, whereby the connection state between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be maintained.

[0016] According to this configuration, the first engaging portion of the first connecting portion and the second engaging portion of the second connecting portion are engaged with each other in the first direction, thereby restricting the movement of the second connecting portion in the direction of coming off from the first connecting portion. Thereby, the connection state between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, that is, the connection state between the first split cover and the second split cover can be preferably maintained.

[0017] [5] In any one of the above [1] to [4], the hinge portion may be connected to an end portion of the main body portion in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the opening / closing portion is rotated between the closed position and the open position about the hinge portion connected to the end portion of the main body portion in the third direction. Therefore, when rotating the opening / closing portion from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing portion can be rotated so as to expand in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction.

[0019] [6] In the above [5], the main body portion has a first locking portion provided at an end portion in a third opposite direction that is the opposite direction of the third direction, the opening / closing portion has a second locking portion that can engage with the first locking portion, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion are engaged with each other, whereby the closed position of the opening / closing portion may be maintained.

[0020] With this configuration, the engagement between the first locking part of the main body and the second locking part of the opening / closing section maintains the closed position of the opening / closing section, effectively preventing the opening / closing section from unintentionally rotating to the open position. This effectively prevents the battery post from being unintentionally exposed from the cover member.

[0021] [7] In the above [6], the second split cover extends along the second direction from the connecting portion with the first split cover, the second connecting portion is provided at the end of the second split cover in the second opposite direction, and the shortest distance from the hinge portion to the second lock portion may be shorter than the shortest distance from the second connecting portion to the end of the second split cover in the second direction.

[0022] With this configuration, the rotational trajectory of the opening and closing part can be suitably reduced compared to the rotational trajectory of the second divided cover when the entire second divided cover rotates around the connecting portion between the first divided cover and the second divided cover.

[0023] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the opening and closing part may be arranged so as to overlap with the battery body of the battery in a plan view in the first direction when in the open position.

[0024] This configuration allows for a more favorable reduction in the overall size of the structure, including the battery body and cover member, compared to the case where the opening and closing mechanism in the open position does not overlap with the battery body in a plan view.

[0025] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the cover members of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for the sake of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are roughly parallel or orthogonal within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. Also, in this specification, "opposing" means that two surfaces or members are in a position facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. In this specification, "opposing" includes not only cases where two members are separated from each other, but also cases where two members are in contact with each other. Each drawing shows a first axis X, a second axis Y that is orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z that is orthogonal to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. Furthermore, each drawing illustrates a forward direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a backward direction X2, which is another direction along the first axis X and opposite to the forward direction X1. Each drawing also illustrates an upward direction Y1, which is one direction along the second axis Y, and a downward direction Y2, which is another direction along the second axis Y and opposite to the upward direction Y1. Each drawing also illustrates a first width direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a second width direction Z2, which is another direction along the third axis Z and opposite to the first width direction Z1. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples and is intended to be shown in the claims, with all modifications being made in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0026] (Overall structure) The battery 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is an on-board battery installed in a vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, the battery 10 includes a battery body 11, a battery post P1, and a power connection member 20 attached to the battery post P1.

[0027] The battery body 11 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The battery body 11 is provided with a recess 12 at the corner of the end face in the upward direction Y1. The recess 12 is formed by cutting out a section from the end face in the upward direction Y1 of the battery body 11. A base 14 is provided on the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12. The bottom surface 13 is the end face of the recess 12 facing upward in the upward direction Y1. The base 14 is formed in the shape of a disc that protrudes upward in the upward direction Y1 from the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12.

[0028] The battery post P1 protrudes upward Y1 from the base 14. The battery post P1 is formed in the shape of a frustoconical pyramid, becoming narrower as it extends upward Y1 from the base 14. The battery post P1 is the positive terminal battery post. A power connection member 20 is connected to the battery post P1.

[0029] A cover member 50 is attached to the battery 10 to protect the battery post P1 and the power connection member 20. The cover member 50 is a battery terminal cover that covers the battery post P1 and the power connection member 20. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a portion of the cover member 50 is formed to be openable and closable in order to expose the battery post P1. As shown in Figure 3, a booster cable BC1, for example, can be connected to the battery post P1 exposed from the cover member 50.

[0030] (Configuration of power supply connection component 20) As shown in Figure 4, the power connection member 20 has a first portion 21 extending downward Y2 and a second portion 22 extending forward X1. The first portion 21 is positioned along the side of the battery body 11, specifically along the end face of the battery body 11 in the rear direction X2. The second portion 22 extends from the upper end of the first portion 21 toward the front direction X1. The second portion 22 is positioned along the upper surface of the battery body 11, specifically along the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the power connection member 20 includes a battery terminal 23, a retaining member 28, and a housing 30. The power connection member 20 also includes a fuse element 41, a fuse 42, a fuse element 43, and a stud bolt 44, all of which are electrically connected to the battery terminal 23. The fuse element 41, fuse 42, fuse element 43, and stud bolt 44 are electrically connected to each other.

[0032] (Configuration of battery terminal 23) A conductive material can be used as the material for the battery terminal 23. The battery terminal 23 has a first connection part 24 and a second connection part 26. The first connection part 24 is connected to the battery post P1.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the first connection part 24 has a tightening part 25 with a hole into which the battery post P1 can be inserted, and a bolt B1 inserted into the end of the first connection part 24. In the first connection part 24, tightening the bolt B1 reduces the diameter of the hole in the tightening part 25. The first connection part 24 is mechanically and electrically connected to the battery post P1 by tightening the bolt B1 with the battery post P1 inserted into the hole in the tightening part 25.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the second connecting portion 26 has a bolt B2 and a holding portion 27 that holds the bolt B2. The holding portion 27 is formed integrally with the fastening portion 25. The bolt B2 is formed to be insertable into the bolt hole of the fuse element 41 while being held by the holding portion 27. The second connecting portion 26 is electrically connected to the fuse element 41 when a nut N1 is fastened to the bolt B2 inserted into the bolt hole of the fuse element 41. In this way, the battery terminal 23 is electrically connected to the battery post P1 and also to the fuse element 41. That is, the battery terminal 23 electrically connects the battery post P1 and the fuse element 41 to each other.

[0035] (Configuration of the holding member 28) The retaining member 28 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The retaining member 28 holds the battery terminal 23. The retaining member 28 holds, for example, the second connection portion 26 of the battery terminal 23.

[0036] (Housing 30 configuration) The housing 30 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing 30 holds the fuse elements 41, 43, the fuse 42, and the stud bolt 44. The housing 30 is integrally formed with the fuse elements 41, 43 and the stud bolt 44 by, for example, insert molding. For example, the housing 30 is formed by insert molding with the fuse elements 41, 43 and the stud bolt 44 as insert parts.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 30 is formed in an L-shape overall. The housing 30 has a housing portion 31 arranged along the upper surface of the battery body 11, specifically along the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12, and a housing portion 32 arranged along the side surface of the battery body 11, specifically along the end surface in the rear direction X2. The housing 30 is a single component in which the housing portion 31 and the housing portion 32 are continuously and integrally formed.

[0038] The housing portion 31 is formed to extend parallel to the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12. The housing portion 31 has a predetermined width along the third axis Z and is formed to extend along the first axis X. The housing portion 31 extends from the upper end Y1 of the housing portion 32 toward the front X1. The housing portion 31 holds the fuse element 41. At the front end X1 of the housing portion 31, there is a notch 33 that penetrates the housing portion 31 along the second axis Y. The notch 33 is formed to cut out the front end X1 of the housing portion 31. The notch 33 is formed to expose a portion of the front end X1 of the fuse element 41.

[0039] The housing portion 31 has a plurality of engaging portions 34. Each engaging portion 34 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 31. Each engaging portion 34 is formed to protrude outward from each end face of the third axis Z of the housing portion 31, for example. Each engaging portion 34 protrudes along the third axis Z. Each engaging portion 34 extends along the first axis X.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the front end of the housing portion 31 in the forward direction X1 is positioned opposite the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12. The housing portion 31 is positioned away from the bottom surface 13 of the recess 12. The rear end of the housing portion 31 in the rear direction X2 is formed to protrude further rearward X2 than the rearward end surface of the battery body 11 in the rearward direction X2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the housing portion 32 extends downward in Y2 from the rear end of the housing portion 31 in the rear direction X2. The housing portion 32 is formed to bend at a right angle from, for example, the rear end of the housing portion 31 in the rear direction X2. The housing portion 32 is formed to extend parallel to the end face of the battery body 11 in the rear direction X2. The housing portion 32 has a fuse housing portion 35 and a wire housing portion 36. The fuse housing portion 35 is provided between the housing portion 31 and the wire housing portion 36 in the second axis Y.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the fuse housing 35 is formed to penetrate the housing 32 along the first axis X. The fuse 42 is housed in the fuse housing 35. A fuse cover 37 is attached to the fuse housing 35 so as to cover the fuse 42. The fuse 42 is housed in the fuse housing 35 without being exposed to the outside by being covered by the fuse cover 37.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the wire housing section 36 is formed in the shape of a groove that opens toward the rear X2. In a plan view seen in the front X1 direction, the wire housing section 36 extends along an oblique direction that intersects both the second axis Y and the third axis Z. The wire housing section 36 holds the fuse element 43 and the stud bolt 44. The wire housing section 36 is formed so as to expose a portion of the end face of the fuse element 43 toward the rear X2. The wire housing section 36 is formed so as to expose the bolt portion of the stud bolt 44 that protrudes toward the rear X2 from the end face of the fuse element 43 toward the rear X2. The wire W1 shown in Figure 3 is housed in the wire housing section 36. Although not shown, the wire W1 is electrically connected to the fuse element 43 by fastening a nut to the stud bolt 44, which is inserted into a bolt hole in a metal terminal connected to the end of the wire W1. As a result, the wire W1 is electrically connected to the battery post P1 through the fuse element 43, the fuse 42 (see Figure 6), the fuse element 41, and the battery terminal 23.

[0044] The housing portion 32 has a plurality of engaging portions 38. Each engaging portion 38 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 32. Each engaging portion 38 is formed to protrude outward from, for example, the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 32. Each engaging portion 38 protrudes along the second axis Y.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the housing portion 32 is provided so as to face the rear end face X2 of the battery body 11. The housing portion 32 is provided at a distance from the rear end face X2 of the battery body 11.

[0046] (Configuration of fuse elements 41, 43, fuse 42, and stud bolt 44) As shown in Figure 6, the fuse element 41 is held in the housing 30 with most of it embedded in the housing 30. The fuse element 41 is formed in an L-shape overall. The fuse element 41 extends along a first axis X and along a second axis Y. The fuse element 41 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second connection part 26 of the battery terminal 23 by screw fastening using a bolt B2 and a nut N1. When the fuse element 41 and the second connection part 26 are connected by screw fastening using a bolt B2 and a nut N1, the housing 30 and the battery terminal 23 can be integrated.

[0047] The lower end of the fuse element 41, in the portion extending along the second axis Y, is formed to protrude into the fuse housing 35. A fuse 42 is electrically connected to the lower end of the fuse element 41 in the Y2 direction.

[0048] The fuse element 43 is held in the housing 30 with a portion of it embedded in the housing 30. The fuse element 43 extends along the second axis Y. The upper end of the fuse element 43 in the direction Y1 is formed to protrude into the interior of the fuse housing 35. A fuse 42 is electrically connected to the upper end of the fuse element 43 in the direction Y1. In this way, the fuse 42 is electrically connected to the fuse element 41 and also to the fuse element 43 within the fuse housing 35.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the fuse element 43 is provided with a bolt hole 43X into which the bolt portion of the stud bolt 44 is inserted. The bolt hole 43X is formed to penetrate the fuse element 43 along the first axis X. The bolt portion of the stud bolt 44 protrudes from the rear end face of the fuse element 43 in the rear direction X2, while penetrating the bolt hole 43X of the fuse element 43. As shown in Figure 6, the head of the stud bolt 44 is embedded in the housing 30 and held in place by the housing 30.

[0050] The first part 21 of the power connection member 20 is, for example, a fuse unit having a fuse 42. The second part 22 of the power connection member 20 is, for example, a terminal unit having a battery terminal 23.

[0051] (Configuration of cover member 50) As shown in Figure 7, the cover member 50 has a first divided cover 51 and a second divided cover 60 which is a separate part from the first divided cover 51. The first divided cover 51 and the second divided cover 60 are formed to be connectable to each other. The second divided cover 60 is formed to be detachably attached to the first divided cover 51.

[0052] (Composition of the first section cover 51) As shown in Figure 6, the first split cover 51 is provided to cover the first portion 21 of the power connection member 20 that extends downward along Y2. The first split cover 51 is assembled to the first portion 21 along the forward direction X1. The first split cover 51 is provided to cover the end face of the first portion 21 in the rear direction X2 while exposing the end face of the first portion 21 in the forward direction X1. The first split cover 51 is attached, for example, to the housing portion 32.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the first divided cover 51 has a box-shaped first housing section 52. The first housing section 52 is open toward the front X1. The first housing section 52 has a peripheral wall 52A. The peripheral wall 52A protrudes toward the front X1. The peripheral wall 52A is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0054] Multiple engaging portions 53 are provided on the inner surface of the first housing portion 52. Each engaging portion 53 is formed to protrude inward from the inner surface of the first housing portion 52. Specifically, it protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 52A along the second axis Y. Each engaging portion 53 is formed to be engageable with the engaging portion 38 of the housing portion 32 shown in Figure 4. Here, as shown in Figure 4, the first split cover 51 is assembled to the housing portion 32 along the forward direction X1. At this time, each engaging portion 53 (see Figure 7) and each engaging portion 38 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the peripheral wall 52A. By engaging each engaging portion 53 and each engaging portion 38 with each other, the movement of the first split cover 51 in the direction away from the housing portion 32 can be restricted. This makes it possible to maintain the assembled state of the first split cover 51 with respect to the housing portion 32. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the entire first portion 21 of the power supply connection member 20 is housed in the internal space of the first housing portion 52. Furthermore, the housing portion 32 is housed in the internal space of the first housing portion 52 with its end face in the forward direction X1 exposed from the first housing portion 52.

[0055] The first segmented cover 51 has a first connecting portion 54 for connecting to the second segmented cover 60. The first connecting portion 54 is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first housing portion 52. Specifically, the first connecting portion 54 is formed to protrude upward in the direction Y1 from the end face of the first housing portion 52 in the direction Y1. The first connecting portion 54 has a housing portion 55 that accommodates a part of the second connecting portion 70 provided on the second segmented cover 60, and an engaging portion 56. As shown in Figure 7, the first connecting portion 54 has, for example, a guide groove 57.

[0056] The housing section 55 has peripheral walls 55A and 55B that project upward in the direction Y1 from the end face of the first housing section 52 in the upward direction Y1, and a protruding wall 55C. Peripheral wall 55A is provided at the end of the end face of the first housing section 52 in the upward direction Y1 that is in the forward direction X1. Peripheral wall 55B is provided at the end of the end face of the first housing section 52 in the upward direction Y1 that is in the rear direction X2. Peripheral wall 55B extends upward in the direction Y1 beyond the end of peripheral wall 55A in the upward direction Y1. Protruding walls 55C are provided at both ends of the third axis Z of the peripheral wall 55B. The protruding walls 55C are formed to project forward in the direction X1 from the peripheral wall 55B.

[0057] The engaging portion 56 is formed to protrude inward from the inner surface of the housing portion 55. The engaging portion 56 is formed to protrude inward from the end face of the peripheral wall 55B in the forward direction X1. The engaging portion 56 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall 55B in the upward direction Y1. The engaging portion 56 is formed to extend along the third axis Z. The engaging portion 56 is provided between the two protruding walls 55C. The engaging portion 56 is provided apart from each protruding wall 55C along the third axis Z. A guide groove 57 is formed by the gap between the engaging portion 56 and each protruding wall 55C.

[0058] The first divided cover 51 has an opening 58 that connects the inside and outside of the first housing section 52. The opening 58 is formed to penetrate the peripheral wall 52A that constitutes the first housing section 52. The opening 58 is formed so that the electric wire W1 shown in Figure 3 can pass through it. That is, the electric wire W1 is pulled out to the outside of the first divided cover 51 through the opening 58.

[0059] (Composition of the second section cover 60) As shown in Figure 6, the second split cover 60 is provided to cover the second portion 22 of the power connection member 20 that extends in the forward direction X1. The second split cover 60 is assembled to the second portion 22 in the downward direction Y2. The second split cover 60 is provided to cover the end face of the second portion 22 in the upward direction Y1 and to expose the end face of the second portion 22 in the downward direction Y2. The second split cover 60 is formed to extend in the forward direction X1 from the connection portion with the first split cover 51. The second split cover 60 is attached to the housing portion 31, for example. The second split cover 60 is assembled to the first split cover 51 in the downward direction Y2.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the second split cover 60 has a main body 61 having a second connecting portion 70, a hinge portion H1 formed integrally with the main body 61, and an opening / closing portion 80 formed integrally with the main body 61 via the hinge portion H1. The second split cover 60 is a single component in which the main body 61, the second connecting portion 70, the hinge portion H1, and the opening / closing portion 80 are continuously and integrally formed. Here, the opening / closing portion 80 is rotatable relative to the main body 61 around the hinge portion H1. The opening / closing portion 80 is formed to be rotatable between a closed position shown in Figures 1 and 6 and an open position shown in Figures 2 and 5, with the hinge portion H1 as its axis. As shown in Figure 6, in the closed position, the opening / closing portion 80 covers the battery post P1. As shown in Figure 2, in the open position, the opening / closing portion 80 exposes the battery post P1 to the outside.

[0061] (Configuration of the main body 61) As shown in Figure 8, the main body 61 is formed, for example, in a box shape overall. The main body 61 is open downward Y2. The main body 61 has a pair of side walls 62 provided at each end of the third axis Z and projecting downward Y2. Each side wall 62 is formed to be elastically deformable. Multiple engaging portions 63 are provided on the inner surface of the main body 61. Each engaging portion 63 is formed to project inward from the inner surface of the main body 61. Specifically, each engaging portion 63 is formed to project from the inner surface of one side wall 62 toward the other side wall 62. Each engaging portion 63 projects along the third axis Z. Each engaging portion 63 is provided near the downward Y2 end of the side wall 62.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, each engaging portion 63 is formed to be engageable with the engaging portion 34 of the housing portion 31 along the second axis Y. Here, the main body portion 61 is assembled to the housing portion 31 along the downward direction Y2. At this time, each engaging portion 63 and each engaging portion 34 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the side wall 62. By engaging each engaging portion 63 and each engaging portion 34 with each other, the movement of the main body portion 61 in the upward direction Y1, that is, the movement of the main body portion 61 in the direction away from the housing portion 31, can be restricted. This makes it possible to maintain the assembled state of the second split cover 60 with respect to the housing portion 31. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the entire housing portion 31 is housed in the internal space of the main body portion 61, as well as the second connection portion 26 of the battery terminal 23. The first connection portion 24 of the battery terminal 23 and the battery post P1 are located outside the main body portion 61.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the main body 61 has a first locking portion 65. The first locking portion 65 is provided at the end of the main body 61 in the second width direction Z2. The first locking portion 65 is provided at the end of the main body 61 in the front direction X1. The first locking portion 65 has a wall portion 65A extending along the second axis Y, and a pair of protruding walls 65B provided at each end of the first axis X of the wall portion 65A and protruding from the wall portion 65A toward the first width direction Z1. The first locking portion 65 is formed as a frame shape as a whole by the wall portion 65A, the pair of protruding walls 65B, and the wall portion connected to the pair of protruding walls 65B.

[0064] The first locking portion 65 has an engaging portion 66 and a guide groove 67. The engaging portion 66 is formed to protrude toward the first width direction Z1 from the end face of the wall portion 65A in the first width direction Z1. The engaging portion 66 is provided at the end of the wall portion 65A in the upward direction Y1. The engaging portion 66 is formed to extend along the first axis X. The engaging portion 66 is provided between a pair of protruding walls 65B. The engaging portion 66 is provided apart from each protruding wall 65B in the first axis X. The guide groove 67 is formed by the gap between the engaging portion 66 and each protruding wall 65B.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 61 has a second connecting portion 70 that can be connected to the first connecting portion 54 of the first divided cover 51. The second connecting portion 70 is provided at the rear end X2 of the second divided cover 60. The second connecting portion 70 has a connecting wall 71 that extends along the second axis Y. The connecting wall 71 is formed to fold back from the lower end Y2 of the main body 61 toward the upper end Y1. The connecting wall 71 is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, one or more (two in this embodiment) engaging portions 72 are provided on the rear end face X2 of the connecting wall 71. The two engaging portions 72 are arranged side by side along the third axis Z. Each engaging portion 72 is located at an intermediate position on the connecting wall 71 along the second axis Y. Each engaging portion 72 is formed to protrude toward the rear from the rear end face X2 of the connecting wall 71.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, each engaging portion 72 is formed to be engageable with the engaging portion 56 of the first connecting portion 54 along the second axis Y. Here, the main body portion 61 is assembled to the first split cover 51 along the downward direction Y2. At this time, each engaging portion 72 and each engaging portion 56 are engaged with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the connecting wall 71. By engaging each engaging portion 72 and each engaging portion 56 with each other, the movement of the second connecting portion 70 in the upward direction Y1, that is, the movement of the second connecting portion 70 in the direction away from the first connecting portion 54, can be restricted. This makes it possible to maintain the connected state between the first connecting portion 54 and the second connecting portion 70, and to maintain the assembled state of the main body portion 61 of the second split cover 60 with respect to the first split cover 51. In this way, the main body portion 61 of the second split cover 60 is assembled to the housing portion 31 along the downward direction Y2, and is also assembled to the first split cover 51 along the downward direction Y2.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the second connecting portion 70 has, for example, a pair of guide walls 73. The pair of guide walls 73 are provided so as to sandwich the connecting wall 71 between them. Each of the pair of guide walls 73 is provided separately from the connecting wall 71. Each guide wall 73 is insertable into the guide groove 57 of the first connecting portion 54 along the downward direction Y2. Each guide wall 73 and each guide groove 57 have the function of guiding the insertion of the connecting wall 71 of the second connecting portion 70 when the connecting wall 71 of the second connecting portion 70 is inserted into the housing portion 55 of the first connecting portion 54.

[0069] (Configuration of hinge section H1) As shown in Figure 7, the hinge portion H1 is connected to the end of the main body portion 61 in the first width direction Z1. The hinge portion H1 is connected to the end of the main body portion 61 in the front direction X1. The hinge portion H1 is formed to connect the main body portion 61 and the opening / closing portion 80.

[0070] (Configuration of the opening / closing section 80) The opening / closing section 80 is formed integrally with the hinge section H1. The opening / closing section 80 is formed in a box shape as a whole. As shown in Figure 6, the opening / closing section 80 opens downward Y2 when in the closed position. When in the closed position, the opening / closing section 80 is provided to cover the battery post P1 and the first connection section 24 which are located outside the main body section 61. As shown in Figure 2, when in the open position, the opening / closing section 80 is provided to overlap the end face of the battery body 11 in the upward direction Y1 and in a plan view when viewed downward Y2.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the opening / closing section 80 has a second locking section 81 that can engage with the first locking section 65 of the main body section 61. The second locking section 81 is provided at the end of the opening / closing section 80 in the first width direction Z1 when it is in the open position. The second locking section 81 has a wall section 82 that extends along the second axis Y.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the wall portion 82 is formed so as to fold back from the lower Y2 end of the opening / closing portion 80 in the closed position toward the upper Y1 direction. The wall portion 82 is formed to be elastically deformable. One or more (one in this embodiment) engaging portions 83 are provided on the end face of the wall portion 82 in the second width direction Z2. The engaging portion 83 is provided at an intermediate position of the wall portion 82 along the second axis Y. The engaging portion 83 is formed to protrude toward the second width direction Z2 from the end face of the wall portion 82 in the second width direction Z2.

[0073] The engaging portion 83 is formed to be engageable with the engaging portion 66 of the first locking portion 65 along the second axis Y. The engaging portion 83 and the engaging portion 66 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the wall portion 82. By engaging the engaging portion 83 and the engaging portion 66 with each other, the movement of the opening / closing portion 80 toward the open position can be restricted. This allows the closed position of the opening / closing portion 80 to be suitably maintained.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the second locking section 81 has, for example, a pair of guide walls 84. The pair of guide walls 84 are arranged so as to sandwich the wall portion 82 between them. Each of the pair of guide walls 84 is provided separately from the wall portion 82. Each guide wall 84 can be inserted into the guide groove 67 of the first locking section 65 along the rotational trajectory of the opening / closing section 80. Each guide wall 84 and each guide groove 67 have the function of guiding the insertion of the wall portion 82 when the wall portion 82 of the second locking section 81 is inserted into the frame-shaped first locking section 65.

[0075] Here, the shortest distance from the hinge portion H1 to the second lock portion 81 is set to be shorter than the shortest distance from the second connecting portion 70 to the front end X1 of the second split cover 60. Next, an example of how to attach the cover member 50 will be described with reference to Figure 6. First, the first divided cover 51 is assembled to the housing portion 32 along the forward direction X1. Subsequently, the second divided cover 60 is assembled to the housing portion 31 and the first divided cover 51 along the downward direction Y2. As a result, the second divided cover 60 is connected to the first divided cover 51 to form the cover member 50, and the battery post P1 and the power connection member 20 can be covered by the cover member 50.

[0076] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained. (1) The cover member 50 protects the battery 10 from the battery post P1 and the power connection member 20 attached to the battery post P1. The cover member 50 has a first divided cover 51 that covers a first portion 21 of the power connection member 20 that extends in a first direction (here, downward direction Y2). The cover member 50 has a second divided cover 60 that covers a second portion 22 of the power connection member 20 that extends in a second direction (here, forward direction X1) that intersects the first direction and the battery post P1. The first divided cover 51 has a first connecting portion 54. The second divided cover 60 has a second connecting portion 70 that can be connected to the first connecting portion 54 and is a separate part from the first divided cover 51. The second divided cover 60 has a main body portion 61 on which the second connecting portion 70 is provided, a hinge portion H1 formed integrally with the main body portion 61, and an opening / closing portion 80 that is connected to the main body portion 61 via the hinge portion H1. The opening / closing section 80 is rotatable around the hinge section H1 between a closed position that covers the battery post P1 and an open position that exposes the battery post P1.

[0077] In this configuration, the cover member 50 is formed by a first divided cover 51 and a second divided cover 60 that can be connected to the first divided cover 51. The second divided cover 60 is formed by a main body 61 and an opening / closing part 80 that is integrally formed with the main body 61 via a hinge part H1. The opening / closing part 80 rotates between a closed position and an open position around the hinge part H1. This allows the opening / closing part 80, which is a part of the second divided cover 60, to rotate around the hinge part H1, rather than the entire second divided cover 60. Therefore, the rotation trajectory of the opening / closing part 80 can be made smaller compared to the rotation trajectory of the second divided cover 60 when the entire second divided cover 60 rotates around the connection part between the first divided cover 51 and the second divided cover 60. As a result, interference between the opening / closing part 80 and surrounding members such as decorative covers can be effectively suppressed.

[0078] (2) Furthermore, the opening / closing part 80 is connected to the main body 61 via the hinge part H1 and is integrally formed with the main body 61 via the hinge part H1. Therefore, even when the opening / closing part 80 is rotated to the open position, the opening / closing part 80 remains connected to the main body 61 via the hinge part H1. Thus, the risk of losing the opening / closing part 80 during opening and closing operations can be reduced.

[0079] (3) The first split cover 51 is assembled to the first part 21 of the power supply connection member 20 along the forward direction X1. The second split cover 60 is assembled to the first split cover 51 along the downward direction Y2 and also assembled to the second part 22 of the power supply connection member 20 along the downward direction Y2.

[0080] In this configuration, the second split cover 60 is assembled to both the first split cover 51 and the second portion 22 of the power supply connection member 20 along the downward direction Y2. Therefore, by moving the second split cover 60 along the downward direction Y2, the second split cover 60 can be assembled to the first split cover 51, which is assembled to the first portion 21 of the power supply connection member 20, and to the second portion 22 in the same process. This improves the ease of assembly of the second split cover 60. For example, the second split cover 60 can be assembled to the first split cover 51 and the second portion 22 during assembly work in a vehicle factory.

[0081] (4) The first split cover 51 is provided to cover the end face of the first portion 21 of the power connection member 20 in the second opposite direction (here, the rear direction X2), which is the opposite direction to the second direction, and to expose the end face of the first portion 21 in the second direction (here, the front direction X1). The second split cover 60 is provided to cover the end face of the second portion 22 of the power connection member 20 in the first opposite direction (here, the upward direction Y1), which is the opposite direction to the first direction, and to expose the end face of the second portion 22 in the first direction (here, the downward direction Y2).

[0082] With this configuration, the end face of the first portion 21 of the power connection member 20 in the rear direction X2 can be covered by the first split cover 51, and the end face of the second portion 22 of the power connection member 20 in the upper direction Y1 can be covered by the second split cover 60. Furthermore, since the first split cover 51 is provided so as to expose the end face of the first portion 21 in the front direction X1, the ease of assembly of the first split cover 51 to the first portion 21 can be improved compared to the case where both the end face of the first portion 21 in the front direction X1 and the end face of the first portion 21 in the rear direction X2 are covered. Furthermore, since the second split cover 60 is provided so as to expose the end face of the second portion 22 in the lower direction Y2, the ease of assembly of the second split cover 60 to the second portion 22 can be improved compared to the case where both the end face of the second portion 22 in the lower direction Y2 and the end face of the second portion 22 in the upper direction Y1 are covered.

[0083] (5) The first connecting portion 54 has an engaging portion 56. The second connecting portion 70 has an engaging portion 72 that can engage with the engaging portion 56 on the second axis Y. With this configuration, the engaging portion 56 and the engaging portion 72 engage with each other on the second axis Y, thereby restricting the movement of the second connecting portion 70 in the direction away from the first connecting portion 54. This makes it possible to suitably maintain the connected state of the first connecting portion 54 and the second connecting portion 70, that is, the connected state of the first divided cover 51 and the second divided cover 60.

[0084] (6) The hinge portion H1 is connected to the end of the main body portion 61 in a third direction (here, the first width direction Z1) that intersects both the first and second directions. With this configuration, the opening / closing portion 80 rotates between the closed position and the open position around the hinge portion H1 connected to the end of the main body portion 61 in the first width direction Z1. Therefore, when rotating the opening / closing portion 80 from the closed position to the open position, the opening / closing portion 80 can be rotated so as to expand in the first width direction Z1 that intersects both the downward direction Y2 and the forward direction X1.

[0085] (7) The main body 61 has a first locking portion 65 provided at the end in the third opposite direction (here, the second width direction Z2), which is the opposite direction to the third direction. The opening / closing portion 80 has a second locking portion 81 that can engage with the first locking portion 65. The closed position of the opening / closing portion 80 is maintained when the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 81 engage with each other.

[0086] With this configuration, the engagement between the first locking portion 65 of the main body portion 61 and the second locking portion 81 of the opening / closing portion 80 maintains the closed position of the opening / closing portion 80, thus effectively preventing the opening / closing portion 80 from being unintentionally rotated to the open position. This effectively prevents the battery post P1 from being unintentionally exposed from the cover member 50.

[0087] (8) The second split cover 60 extends forward in direction X1 from the connection portion with the first split cover 51. The second connecting portion 70 is provided at the rear end of the second split cover 60 in direction X2. The shortest distance from the hinge portion H1 to the second lock portion 81 is shorter than the shortest distance from the second connecting portion 70 to the front end of the second split cover 60 in direction X1.

[0088] With this configuration, the rotation trajectory of the opening / closing part 80 can be suitably reduced compared to the rotation trajectory of the second divided cover 60 when the entire second divided cover 60 is rotated around the connecting portion between the first divided cover 51 and the second divided cover 60. This makes it possible to more suitably suppress interference between the opening / closing part 80 and surrounding members such as decorative covers.

[0089] (9) The opening / closing section 80 is positioned such that, in the open position shown in Figures 2 and 3, it overlaps with the battery body 11 of the battery 10 in a plan view taken downward Y2. With this configuration, compared to the case where the opening / closing section 80 in the open position does not overlap with the battery body 11 in a plan view, the overall size of the structure including the battery body 11 and the cover member 50 can be suitably reduced.

[0090] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0091] The structure of the first segmented cover 51 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the position of the opening 58 may be changed. The structure of the first connecting section 54 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide groove 57 may be omitted.

[0092] The structure of the second split cover 60 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the position where the hinge portion H1 is formed may be changed. For example, the hinge portion H1 may be provided to connect to the end of the main body portion 61 in the second width direction Z2. For example, the hinge portion H1 may be provided to connect to the end of the main body portion 61 in the front direction X1.

[0093] The structure of the second connecting section 70 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide wall 73 may be omitted. The structure of the first locking section 65 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide groove 67 may be omitted.

[0094] The structure of the second locking section 81 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide wall 84 may be omitted. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 batteries 11. Battery Unit 12 recesses 13. Base 14 Pedestal 20 Power connection component 21 Part 1 22 Part 2 23 Battery terminals 24. First connection section 25. Fastening part 26 Second connection section 27 Holding part 28 Retaining member 30 Housing 31,32 Housing section 33 Notch 34 Engagement part 35 Fuse housing 36. Wire housing section 37 Fuse cover 38 Engaging part 41, 43 Fuse element 42 fuses 43X bolt holes 44 stud bolts 50 Cover component 51 First Part Cover 52. First Detention Unit 53 Engaging part 54 1st connection part 55 Accommodation 55A,55B Peripheral wall 55C protruding wall 56 Engaging portion (first engaging portion) 57 Guide groove 58 Opening 60. Second Part Cover 61 Main body 62 Side wall 63 Engaging part 65 First Rock Section 65A Wall section 65B Projecting wall 66 Engaging part 67 Guide groove 70 2nd connection part 71 Connecting wall 72 Engaging part (second engaging part) 73 Guide Wall 80 Opening / Closing Section 81 Second Rock Section 82 Wall section 83 Engaging part 84 Guide Wall B1, B2 bolts BC1 Booster Cables H1 Hinge N1 Nut P1 Battery Post W1 electric wire X 1st axis X1 Forward direction (2nd direction) X2 Rear direction (second opposite direction) Y 2nd axis Y1 Upward (first opposite direction) Y2 Downward direction (1st direction) Z 3rd axis Z1 1st width direction (3rd direction) Z2 Second width direction (third opposite direction)

Claims

1. A cover member that protects the battery post of the battery and the power connection member attached to the battery post, A first divided cover covering the first portion of the power connection member extending along the first direction, The power connection member has a second portion that extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and a second split cover that covers the battery post, The first divided cover has a first connecting portion, The second split cover has a second connecting portion that can be connected to the first connecting portion, and is a separate part from the first split cover. The second split cover comprises a main body portion on which the second connecting portion is provided, a hinge portion formed integrally with the main body portion, and an opening / closing portion formed integrally with the main body portion via the hinge portion. The opening and closing portion is a cover member that is rotatable around the hinge portion between a closed position that covers the battery post and an open position that exposes the battery post.

2. The first segmented cover is assembled to the first portion along the second direction, The cover member according to claim 1, wherein the second divided cover is assembled to the first divided cover along the first direction and to the second portion along the first direction.

3. The first divided cover is provided to cover the end face of the first portion in the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction, while exposing the end face of the first portion in the second direction. The cover member according to claim 2, wherein the second divided cover is provided to cover the end face of the second portion in the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, and to expose the end face of the second portion in the first direction.

4. The first connecting portion has a first engaging portion, The second connecting portion has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. The cover member according to claim 2, wherein the connection between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is maintained by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with each other in the first direction.

5. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion is connected to the end of the main body portion in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions.

6. The main body has a first locking portion provided at the end in the third opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the third direction. The opening / closing part has a second locking part that can engage with the first locking part. The cover member according to claim 5, wherein the closed position of the opening / closing part is maintained by the engagement of the first locking part and the second locking part with each other.

7. The second divided cover extends along the second direction from the connecting portion with the first divided cover, The second connecting portion is provided at the end of the second divided cover in the second opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. The cover member according to claim 6, wherein the shortest distance from the hinge portion to the second lock portion is shorter than the shortest distance from the second connecting portion to the end of the second divided cover in the second direction.

8. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing portion is arranged so as to overlap with the battery body of the battery in a plan view in the first direction when in the open position.

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