Electrical Junction Box

Abstract

To provide an electric connection box by which an operation for releasing lock can be easily performed while preventing unintended lock release.SOLUTION: An electric connection box 1 comprises: a connection box body 2; a cover member 3; and a fixing part 4 which fixes the cover member 3 to the connection box body 2. A direction separating from a side surface of the connection box body 2 is considered as a separation direction Lo, and a direction approaching the side surface is considered as a proximity direction Li. The fixing part 4 comprises: a fixing locking body 25 arranged outside the separation direction Lo; and an elastic locking body 40 which is locked to the fixing locking body 25. The elastic locking body 40 is extended to a vicinity of an upper surface of the cover member 3 and is provided with an operation convex part 431 projecting in the separation direction Lo. Sidewalls 51 are provided on both sides in a width direction W of the elastic locking body 40. The tip in the separation direction Lo of the operation convex part 431 projects from the separation direction Lo of the sidewalls 51. The operation convex part 431 is operated in the proximity direction Li to release lock between the fixing locking body 25 and the elastic locking body 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric junction box mounted on, for example, a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrical junction box installed in a vehicle generally comprises a junction box main body in which electronic components such as circuit boards, fuses, and relays are housed, and a cover member that covers the opening of the junction box main body, and is electrically connected to the electrical equipment in the vehicle.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, the cover member and the connection box body are fixed together by engaging a locking portion provided on the side wall of the connection box body with a locking piece protruding from the side wall of the cover member toward the connection box body.

[0004] Specifically, an insertion space is formed between the engaged portion and the side wall of the junction box body, into which the engaging piece is inserted, and an engaged protrusion is provided that protrudes inward from the outside of the junction box body. Then, by inserting the engaging piece provided on the lower end side of the engaging protrusion that protrudes outward from the inside of the junction box body into the insertion space, the engaging protrusion and the engaged protrusion are engaged with each other, thereby fixing the cover member to the junction box body.

[0005] Incidentally, the electrical junction box is connected to electronic devices mounted on the vehicle via a wire harness, and may be mounted in a narrow space inside or outside the vehicle, such as the driver's seat side of the instrument panel or a deep position in the engine room. Furthermore, with the increase in electrical devices in recent years, the space around the electrical junction box has become narrower.

[0006] Therefore, when removing the cover member of the electrical junction box from the junction box body while it is mounted on a vehicle, it is necessary to reach into a narrow gap to release the engagement between the locking convex portion and the locked convex portion, making it difficult to release the engagement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-69644 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box that is capable of preventing unintentional release of lock while allowing easy release of lock. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a connection box comprising a box-shaped connection box main body having an opening, and a cover member which covers the opening of the connection box main body, and a fixing portion which fixes the cover member attached to the connection box main body from the side of the opening to the connection box main body, a direction away from a side of the connection box main body being defined as a separation direction, and a direction approaching the side of the connection box main body being defined as an approach direction, the fixing portion having a fixed locking body arranged on the outside in the separation direction, and an elastic locking body of a predetermined width which locks with the fixed locking body, the elastic locking body extending up to the vicinity of an upper surface of the cover member, and an operation protrusion which protrudes in the separation direction is provided at an upper end of the elastic locking body, outer walls are provided on both sides in the width direction of the elastic locking body, a tip of the operation protrusion in the separation direction protrudes beyond a tip portion of the outer wall in the separation direction, and the upper end of the elastic locking body where the operation protrusion is provided is The above Operate in the approaching direction to release the elastic locking body from the fixed locking body. A restricting rib is provided between the elastic engaging body and the side surface of the cover member to restrict excessive deformation of the elastic engaging body in a release operation state. It is characterized by being an electrical junction box.

[0010] The present invention also provides a connection box comprising a box-shaped connection box body having an opening, and a cover member covering the opening of the connection box body, and a fixing portion for fixing the cover member attached to the connection box body from the opening side to the connection box body, the direction away from the side of the connection box body being defined as a separation direction, and the direction approaching the side of the connection box body being defined as a proximity direction, the fixing portion having a fixed locking body arranged on the outside in the separation direction, and an elastic locking body of a predetermined width that locks with the fixed locking body, the elastic locking body being disposed on the top of the cover member. the upper end of the elastic locking body is provided so as to extend to the vicinity of a fixed surface, the upper end of the elastic locking body is provided with an operating protrusion protruding in the separation direction, outer walls are provided on both sides of the width of the elastic locking body, the tip of the operating protrusion in the separation direction protrudes beyond the tip portion of the outer wall in the separation direction, the upper end of the elastic locking body provided with the operating protrusion is operated in the approaching direction to release the engagement of the elastic locking body with the fixed locking body, and a protrusion protruding in the direction in which the elastic locking body extends is provided on the upper end surface of the elastic locking body.

[0011] The fixed locking body may be provided on either the junction box body or the cover member as long as it can fix the junction box body and the cover member together with the elastic locking body. That is, the fixed locking body is provided on one of the junction box body and the cover member, and the elastic locking body is provided on the other of the junction box body and the cover member.

[0012] In addition to the case where the outer wall is provided on one of the connection box main body and the cover member, it also includes the case where one side in the width direction is provided on one of the connection box main body and the cover member, and one side in the width direction is provided on the other of the connection box main body and the cover member.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform the operation of releasing the lock while preventing unintentional release of the lock. In more detail, since the outer walls are disposed on both sides of the elastic locking body in the width direction, it is possible to suppress unintended external forces from acting on the operation protrusion. Even if an unintended external force acts on the operation protrusion, the outer walls prevent elastic deformation of the elastic locking body in the approach direction, thereby preventing unintended release of the lock.

[0014] On the other hand, since the operating protrusion of the elastic locking body protrudes from the tip portion in the separation direction of the outer wall, the operating protrusion can be easily caught by the finger of the operator, and an external force can be easily applied to the elastic locking body provided with the operating protrusion in the approach direction. This makes it easy to perform an operation to release the lock of the elastic locking body from the fixed locking body. Therefore, the elastic locking body can be elastically deformed to release the lock between the elastic locking body and the fixed locking body.

[0015] Furthermore, since the operating convex portion protrudes from the tip portion in the direction of separation of the outer wall, even if the electrical connection box is mounted in a location that cannot be seen by an operator, the operating convex portion can be recognized by touch, and therefore the operation to release the lock can be easily performed.

[0016] In addition, a restricting rib is provided between the elastic locking body and the side surface of the cover member to restrict excessive deformation of the elastic locking body in the release operation state, thereby preventing the elastic locking body from being excessively deformed in the approach direction during the release operation. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the elastic locking body due to excessive deformation, and by restricting excessive deformation, the durability of the elastic locking body can be improved.

[0017] On the other hand, since a protrusion is provided on the upper end surface of the elastic locking body in the direction in which the elastic locking body extends, when the elastic locking body is elastically deformed in the approach direction, the operator can hook the protrusion as well as the operating convex part with his / her finger. As a result, when releasing the lock, the protrusion assists the release operation, making it easier to release the lock.

[0018] As an aspect of the invention, the upper end of the elastic locking body, on which the operating protrusion is provided, and the upper end of the outer wall may be formed at a height that matches the upper end surface of the cover member, and the operating protrusion may be formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the outer wall in a release operation state in which the upper end of the elastic locking body is operated in the approaching direction.

[0019] According to this invention, when in the locked state, the upper end portion where the operating convex portion is provided and the upper end of the outer wall coincide with the upper end surface of the cover member, thereby preventing unintended external forces from acting on the operating convex portion in the approach direction.

[0020] On the other hand, as the operating protrusion is elastically deformed in the approach direction to release the lock, the operating protrusion gradually protrudes upward from the upper end of the outer wall, so that the finger can be hooked on the operating protrusion more reliably during the operation process, thereby making it easier to perform the unlocking operation.

[0021] As a further aspect of the present invention, the operation convex portion may be provided across the entire width of the elastic engaging body which is formed to have a predetermined width. According to this invention, the width over which the operator can hook his / her finger is increased, so that even if the operator hooks his / her finger at a position that is off-center in the width direction, the operator can reliably hook the finger on the operating protrusion. Therefore, the operating protrusion can be operated in the approach direction more easily and reliably, and the engagement of the elastic locking body with the fixed locking body can be released.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention, in the outer wall, a corner between the tip portion in the separating direction and the upper end portion may be a curved corner. This invention prevents the fingers of the worker performing the unlocking operation from getting caught on the outer wall, so the unlocking operation can be performed reliably. Also, even if the worker gets his or her fingers caught in a position that is off the center in the width direction, the unlocking operation can be performed without any problems.

[0023] As a further aspect of the present invention, a protrusion may be provided on an upper end surface of the elastic stopper, protruding in a direction in which the elastic stopper extends. With this invention, when the elastic locking body is elastically deformed in the approach direction, the operator can hook not only the operating convex portion but also the protruding portion with his / her finger. As a result, when releasing the lock, the protruding portion assists the release operation, making it easier to release the lock.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention, the protrusions may be provided on both sides in the width direction of the elastic engaging body which is formed to have a predetermined width. According to this invention, even if the worker hooks his / her finger at a position off-center in the width direction, the worker's finger can hook on the operation convex portion and the protruding portion. Therefore, even if the worker hooks his / her finger at a position off-center in the width direction, the protruding portion can reliably assist the unlocking operation, and the unlocking operation can be reliably performed.

[0025] In addition, since the protrusions are provided on both sides of the width of the elastic locking body, both ends of the locking protrusion can be confirmed by touch. This allows the user to reliably release the locking even when the elastic locking body cannot be seen.

[0026] As an aspect of the present invention, the length by which the protrusion protrudes from the upper end surface of the elastic locking body may be shorter than the length by which the operating convex portion protrudes from the tip portion of the outer wall in the separating direction. According to this invention, the protrusion does not interfere with the operation of the operating convex portion, and the lock can be released reliably. Also, it is possible to prevent the lock between the fixed locking body and the elastic locking body from being unintentionally released due to an unintended external force acting on the protrusion. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box in which unintentional release of the lock can be prevented and the operation for releasing the lock can be easily performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fixing portion in a state in which the elastic locking body and the fixed locking body are fixed to each other. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixing portion in a state where the elastic locking body and the fixed locking body are released from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the electric junction box 1, and Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the electric junction box 1. Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the junction box main body 2, Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3(a), and Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3(a).

[0030] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the cover member 3 and a schematic partially enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged view of the elastic locking body 40. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 6(a).

[0031] Fig. 9 shows an enlarged perspective view of the fixing part 4 in a state where the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled. Fig. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixing part 4 in a state where the fixed locking body 25 and the elastic locking body 40 are locked, and Fig. 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixing part 4 in a state where the fixed locking body 25 and the elastic locking body 40 are released from each other.

[0032] 3 to 8 will now be described in detail. Fig. 3(a) shows a plan view of the junction box main body 2, and Fig. 3(b) shows an enlarged plan view of the fixed locking body 25 on one side of the junction box main body 2. Fig. 4(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 3(a), and Fig. 4(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the main body second side surface 23 on one side in Fig. 4(a). Fig. 5(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3(a), and Fig. 5(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixed locking body 25 on one side in Fig. 5(a).

[0033] Fig. 6(a) shows a plan view of the cover member 3, Fig. 6(b) shows a schematic partially enlarged perspective view of the elastic locking body 40 and the outer wall 50, and Fig. 6(c) shows a schematic partially enlarged perspective view of the elastic locking body 40. In Fig. 6(c), for the sake of convenience, the outer wall 50 is shown in a see-through state by being shown with a dotted line to clarify the structure of the elastic locking body 40.

[0034] Fig. 7(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 7(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover second side surface 33 on one side in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 8(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 8(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastic locking body 40 and the outer wall 50 on one side in Fig. 8(a).

[0035] For convenience, the longitudinal direction of the electric junction box 1 in Fig. 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction of the electric junction box 1 is referred to as the width direction W, and the up-down direction in Fig. 1 is referred to as the height direction H. Also, in Fig. 1, the direction away from the side surface of the junction box main body 2 along the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the separation direction Lo, the direction approaching the side surface of the junction box main body 2 along the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the approach direction Li, the direction of the cover member 3 relative to the junction box main body 2 is referred to as the upward direction, and the direction of the junction box main body 2 relative to the cover member 3 is referred to as the downward direction. Note that the longitudinal direction L, the width direction W, and the height direction H are perpendicular to one another.

[0036] The electrical junction box 1 is a housing that houses electronic components such as a circuit board, fuses, and relays, and the electronic components housed therein are connected to electrical equipment mounted on the vehicle via electric wires WH. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical junction box 1 comprises a box-shaped junction box main body 2 having an opening U at the top, and a cover member 3 that covers the opening U of the junction box main body 2, and is provided with a fixing portion 4 that fixes the cover member 3 attached to the junction box main body 2 from above to the junction box main body 2.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connection box main body 2 is composed of a bottom surface portion 21 that forms the bottom surface of the electrical connection box 1, main body first side surfaces 22, 22 that are erected along the longitudinal direction L, and main body second side surfaces 23, 23 that are erected along the width direction W, and has an opening U on the upper side.

[0038] 2 to 5, the bottom surface portion 21 is configured in a generally rectangular shape in plan view with the long sides along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, first main body side surfaces 22, 22 extending along the longitudinal direction L are provided on both ends of the bottom surface portion 21 in the width direction W, and second main body side surfaces 23, 23 extending along the width direction W are provided on both ends of the bottom surface portion 21 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] The first side surfaces 22, 22 of the main body, which are erected from both ends in the width direction W of the bottom surface portion 21, face each other, and one side of the first side surfaces 22, 22 of the main body is provided with an insertion hole 24 through which an electric wire WH, which is electrically connected to the electronic component housed inside the electrical connection box 1, is inserted to draw it out to the outside of the electrical connection box 1.

[0040] The first main body side surface 22 is composed of a first lower wall portion 221 standing from the bottom surface portion 21, and a first upper wall portion 222 extending from an upper end of the first lower wall portion 221 and having a plate thickness that is approximately half the plate thickness of the first lower wall portion 221. The first lower wall portion 221 and the first upper wall portion 222 are configured to be flush with each other in the approach direction Li.

[0041] 3 and 4, the second main body side surface 23 erected from both ends of the bottom surface portion 21 in the width direction W is composed of a second lower wall portion 231 erected from the bottom surface portion 21 and a second upper wall portion 232 extending from the upper end of the second lower wall portion 231 and having a plate thickness approximately half that of the second lower wall portion 231. The second lower wall portion 231 and the second upper wall portion 232 are configured to be flush with each other in the approach direction Li.

[0042] At approximately the center of the width direction W of the second side surface 23, 23 of the main body, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, there are provided locking wall portions 233, 233 formed by recessing a predetermined range along the height direction H of the second lower wall portion 231 in the proximity direction Li so that the plate thickness is the same as that of the second upper wall portion 232. At locations on the second main body side surfaces 23, 23 corresponding to the locking walls 233, 233, fixed locking bodies 25, 25 which are locked and fixed to elastic locking bodies 40, 40 described below and which constitute the fixed part 4 are provided on the outside in the separating direction Lo.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the fixed engaging body 25 is composed of a pair of fixed side wall portions 26, 26 extending from the second side surface 23 of the main body along the separation direction Lo, a connecting wall portion 27 connecting the ends of the fixed side side wall portions 26, 26 on the separation direction Lo side, and support portions 28, 28 supporting the connecting wall portion 27 between the fixed side side wall portions 26, 26.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5 (b), the fixed side wall portion 26 is integrally formed of a lower wall portion 261 extending from the lower end side of the locking wall portion 233 on the second side surface 23 of the main body in the separation direction Lo, and an upper wall portion 262 extending upward from the upper end of the lower wall portion 261.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5(b), the lower wall portion 261 is configured in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The upper wall portion 262 is configured in a generally right-angled trapezoid shape with its oblique side disposed on the side of the approach direction Li in a side view. That is, the upper wall portion 262 has a tapered shape in which the end portion on the side of the approach direction Li is inclined toward the separation direction Lo as it extends upward.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5(b), the connecting wall portion 27 is a wall surface arranged opposite the locking wall portion 233 so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the locking wall portion 233, and connects the upper end portion of the lower wall portion 261 and the end portion of the upper wall portion 262 on the fixed side side walls 26, 26 in the separation direction Lo.

[0047] 5(b), a fixed-side protrusion 271 protruding in the approaching direction Li is provided in the center of the upper end of the connecting wall 27 in the width direction W. The length of the fixed-side protrusion 271 protruding in the approaching direction Li in the longitudinal direction L is configured to be shorter than the length of the upper end of the upper wall 262 in the longitudinal direction L. The side of the fixed-side protrusion 271 in the approaching direction Li is configured to incline in the separating direction Lo as it extends upward.

[0048] The connecting wall portion 27 thus configured defines an insertion space S between the locking wall portion 233 and the fixed side walls 26, 26, into which the elastic locking body 40 can be inserted. The support portion 28 supports the connecting wall portion 27 by connecting the lower end of the connecting wall portion 27 and the second lower wall portion 231 .

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover member 3 is composed of an upper surface portion 31 that forms the upper surface of the electrical connection box 1, first cover side surfaces 32, 32 that stand upright along the longitudinal direction L, and second cover side surfaces 33, 33 that stand upright along the width direction W.

[0050] 5(a), the top surface portion 31 is configured in a generally rectangular shape in plan view with the longer side along the longitudinal direction L. At both ends of the width direction W of the top surface portion 31, first cover side surfaces 32, 32 extending along the longitudinal direction L are erected downward, and at both ends of the longitudinal direction L of the top surface portion 31, second cover side surfaces 33, 33 extending along the width direction W are erected downward.

[0051] The cover first side surfaces 32, 32 are wall surfaces extending downward from both ends of the width direction W of the upper surface portion 31, and like the cover second side surfaces 33, 33 described later, are configured as a double wall that fits into the upper end portions of the first lower wall portion 221 and the first upper wall portion 222 when the connection box main body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled (not shown).

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the cover second side surfaces 33, 33 are wall surfaces extending downward from both ends of the upper surface portion 31 in the longitudinal direction L, and are integrally formed with a curved wall portion 331 formed in an arc shape when viewed from the side, and a cover inner wall portion 332 and a cover outer wall 333 which form a double wall along the height direction H.

[0053] 7(b), the cover inner wall portion 332 has a plate thickness half that of the curved wall portion 331, and extends downward from the lower end of the curved wall portion 331. The cover inner wall portion 332 and the inner surface of the curved wall portion 331 (the surface on the approach direction Li side) are configured to be flush with each other.

[0054] The cover outer wall 333 is disposed in the separation direction Lo of the cover inner wall portion 332, and has an upper end connected to the cover inner wall portion 332 and is provided along the cover inner wall portion 332. In addition, the cover outer wall 333 is configured so that the plate thickness on the lower side is thinner than the plate thickness on the upper side.

[0055] A space of a predetermined thickness is formed between the cover inner wall portion 332 and the cover outer wall 333 configured in this manner, and when the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled, the second lower wall portion 231 can be fitted on the upper side, and the second upper wall portion 232 can be fitted on the lower side. The ends in the width direction W of the cover inner wall portion 332 and the cover outer wall 333 are closed by the cover first side surface 32.

[0056] More specifically, in the approximate center portion of the width direction W of the cover second side surfaces 33, 33, at the location corresponding to the fixed locking body 25 when the connection box main body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled, there is no cover outer wall 333, and instead, an elastic locking body 40, an outer wall 50, and a regulating portion 60 are provided (see Figures 6(b) and 8(b)).

[0057] The elastic locking body 40 has a predetermined width along the width direction W, extends close to the upper surface of the upper surface portion 31, and has elasticity in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in Fig. 6(b), the elastic locking body 40 is integrally formed with an elastic portion 41 connected to the cover inner wall portion 332, a locking portion 42 that locks with the fixed side protrusion 271, and an operating portion 43 that operates the deformation of the elastic portion 41 in the longitudinal direction L. The length of the elastic locking body 40 in the width direction W is shorter than the distance between the fixed side walls 26, 26.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8 (b), the elastic portion 41 is configured in an approximately U-shape when viewed from the side, and includes a connecting portion 411 that connects to the central portion of the cover inner wall portion 332, an inclined portion 412 that faces the connecting portion 411, and a curved connecting portion 413 that connects the lower ends of the connecting portion 411 and the inclined portion 412.

[0059] The connecting portion 411 protrudes from the cover inner wall portion 332 in the separation direction Lo so as to correspond to the plate thickness of the locking wall portion 233, and extends downward along the height direction H. In other words, there is a gap between the connecting portion 411 and the cover inner wall portion 332 that is equal to the plate thickness of the locking wall portion 233, and the locking wall portion 233 can be fitted into the connecting portion 411 when the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled. The inclined portion 412 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the connecting portion 411 in the separation direction Lo, and is slightly inclined in the separation direction Lo as it extends upward.

[0060] The curved connection portion 413 that connects the lower end portions of the coupling portion 411 and the inclined portion 412 is configured in a downwardly convex arc shape, and allows elastic deformation of the inclined portion 412 in the approach direction Li. The end of the inclined portion 412 in the separating direction Lo is configured to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the cover outer wall 333. Therefore, the inclined portion 412 protrudes further than the cover outer wall 333 in the separating direction Lo.

[0061] The locking portion 42 extends along the height direction H from the upper end of the inclined elastic portion 41 on the separation direction Lo side, and a locking window 421 formed by a through hole penetrating along the longitudinal direction L is provided in the upper portion. The locking window 421 is configured so that, when the elastic locking body 40 is inserted into the insertion space S, the fixed side protruding piece 271 is locked thereto.

[0062] The operating portion 43 extends upward from the locking portion 42 in the height direction H and protrudes in the separating direction Lo. The plate thickness of this operating portion 43 is approximately twice the plate thickness of the locking portion 42, and a communication hole communicating with the locking window 421 is provided in the central portion of the operating portion 43 in the approaching direction Li along the height direction H. In other words, the operating portion 43 is configured to have a concave shape with a center recessed toward the separating direction Lo in a plan view. The upper end of the operating portion 43 is configured to be flush with the upper surface portion 31.

[0063] An operation convex portion 431 that protrudes in the separating direction Lo is provided at the upper end of the operation portion 43 along the width direction W. This operation convex portion 431 has a predetermined length along the width direction W (a length equal to the length of the elastic portion 41 in the width direction W), and is configured to protrude above the upper surface portion 31 when the operation portion 43 is elastically deformed in the approaching direction Li.

[0064] Furthermore, protrusions 44, 44 protruding along the height direction H are provided at both ends of the operation part 43 in the width direction W and at the center part in the longitudinal direction L. The length by which the protrusions 44 protrude in the height direction H from the upper end face of the elastic locking body 40 is configured to be shorter than the length by which the operation protrusion 431 protrudes from the tip part of the outer wall 50 in the separation direction Lo.

[0065] 9, in a state in which the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled, the elastic portion 41 of the elastic locking body 40 is inserted into the insertion space S, and the fixed-side projection 271 is locked in the locking window 421. In this manner, the elastic locking body 40, together with the fixed locking body 25, constitutes the fixing portion 4 that locks and fixes the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3 together.

[0066] The outer wall 50 is integrally formed of side walls 51, 51 extending from the cover second side surface 33 toward the separation direction Lo on both sides in the width direction W of the elastic engaging body 40, and a connecting wall 52 connecting the separation direction Lo ends of the side walls 51. The side wall 51 is integrally formed of an upper side wall portion 511 extending from the curved wall portion 331 and a lower side wall portion 512 extending from the cover outer wall 333 .

[0067] The sidewall upper portion 511 extends in the separation direction Lo so that its upper surface is flush with the upper surface portion 31 and the upper end of the operation portion 43, and its end portion in the separation direction Lo is flush with the outer surface of the operation portion 43. That is, the operation convex portion 431 is configured to protrude from the end portion of the sidewall upper portion 511 on the separation direction Lo side (see Figs. 9 and 10). Note that a curved corner portion 51a is provided in which the corner portion formed by the tip of the sidewall upper portion 511 in the separation direction Lo and the upper end is formed in an arc shape.

[0068] The lower end side of the side wall lower portion 512 protruding from the cover outer wall 333 in the separation direction Lo is slightly inclined in the separation direction Lo as it extends upward, similar to the inclined portion 412, and is configured to cover the sides of the elastic portion 41 and the locking portion 42 when viewed from the side.

[0069] The connecting wall 52 extends from the lower side of the side wall upper part 511 in the separating direction Lo and connects the side wall upper parts 511, 511. In other words, the connecting wall 52 is provided so as to cover the lower end side of the operation part 43.

[0070] In addition, when the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled, the lower end of the connecting wall 52 is disposed adjacent to the upper end of the connecting wall portion 27. This prevents an unintended external force from acting on the fixed-side projection 271 and causing the engagement between the fixed-side projection 271 and the engagement window 421 to be unintentionally released when the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled.

[0071] The distance between the side walls 51, 51 configured in this manner is narrower than the distance between the fixed-side side wall portions 26, 26. In other words, the side wall lower portions 512, 512 are inserted inside the fixed-side side wall portions 26, 26 when the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 are combined (see FIG. 1).

[0072] 6(b), the restricting portions 60, 60 are ribs that protrude in the separating direction Lo from positions facing both end portions of the curved wall portion 331 in the width direction W of the operating portion 43, and are configured so that their upper ends are flush with the upper surface portion 31 and that their end faces in the separating direction Lo are substantially flush with the inner surface of the connecting portion 411. In addition, the corners formed by the upper end faces and the end faces in the separating direction Lo are formed in an arc shape.

[0073] The regulating portions 60, 60 are configured to interfere with the operating portion 43 by elastically deforming above a certain level so that the elastic portion 41 does not undergo excessive elastic deformation when the operating portion 43 is operated toward the approach direction Li.

[0074] On the outside of the outer wall 50 in the width direction W, an engagement groove 34 is provided in the cover outer wall 333 so that the groove becomes shallower in the separation direction Lo as it extends upward, and when the connection box main body 2 and the cover member 3 are assembled, the lower wall portion 261 engages with the groove 34.

[0075] The cover member 3 thus configured is placed on the junction box body 2 so that the elastic locking body 40 faces the fixed locking body 25. Then, by moving the cover member 3 relative to the junction box body 2, the lower wall portion 261 is guided into the fitting groove 34, the side wall 51 (side wall lower portion 512) and the elastic portion 41 are inserted into the insertion space S, and the fixed side projection 271 is locked and fixed to the locking window 421. This allows the junction box body 2 and the cover member 3 to be locked and fixed.

[0076] In addition, in the locked state, the fixed-side protrusion 271 and the locking window 421 are covered by the outer wall 50, the fixed-side side wall portion 26, and the connecting wall portion 27, so that it is possible to prevent unintended external forces from acting on the fixed-side protrusion 271. Furthermore, since the upper surface of the operation convex portion 431 and the upper surface of the outer wall 50 are flush with each other, it is possible to prevent unintended external forces from acting on the operation convex portion 431.

[0077] On the other hand, when removing the cover member 3 from the junction box body 2, the worker can hook the tip of his / her finger on the operation convex portion 431 that protrudes in the separation direction Lo beyond the side wall 51, as shown in Fig. 10. In addition, the worker can also hook the pad of his / her finger on the convex portion 44.

[0078] 11 , when an operator bends his / her finger in the approach direction Li or moves his / her hand toward the approach direction Li, an external force can be applied to the operating portion 43 in the approach direction Li. This external force causes the operating portion 43 to be operated in the approach direction Li, whereby the inclined portion 412 elastically deforms in the approach direction Li and the locking portion 42 moves in the approach direction Li, thereby releasing the lock of the fixed-side protruding piece 271 with respect to the locking window 421.

[0079] In addition, since the upper end of the operation portion 43 is flush with the upper end of the side wall 51, as the inclined portion 412 is elastically deformed in the approaching direction Li, the operation convex portion 431 protrudes from the upper end of the outer wall 50. Therefore, the operator can hook his / her finger on the operation convex portion 431 more reliably, making it easier to release the lock.

[0080] Thus, the electrical junction box 1 comprises a box-shaped junction box main body 2 having an opening U, a cover member 3 that covers the opening U of the junction box main body 2, and a fixing portion 4 that fixes the cover member 3 attached to the junction box main body 2 from the side of the opening U to the junction box main body 2. The direction away from the side of the junction box main body 2 is defined as the separating direction Lo, and the direction approaching the side of the junction box main body 2 is defined as the approaching direction Li. The fixing portion 4 has a fixed locking body 25 arranged on the outside of the separating direction Lo, and an elastic locking body 40 of a predetermined width that locks with the fixed locking body 25.

[0081] The elastic locking body 40 extends to the vicinity of the upper surface of the cover member 3, and is provided with an operation protrusion 431 protruding in the separating direction Lo at the upper end of the elastic locking body 40, and side walls 51 are provided on both sides of the width direction W of the elastic locking body 40. The tip of the operation protrusion 431 in the separating direction Lo protrudes from the tip portion of the side wall 51 in the separating direction Lo, and the upper end of the elastic locking body 40 provided with the operation protrusion 431 can be operated in the approaching direction Li to release the locking of the elastic locking body 40 with respect to the fixed locking body 25.

[0082] This makes it possible to easily perform the operation of releasing the lock while preventing unintentional release of the lock. More specifically, by arranging the side walls 51 on both sides of the elastic locking body 40 in the width direction W, it is possible to suppress unintended external force from acting on the operation convex portion 431. Even if an unintended external force acts on the operation convex portion 431, the side walls 51 prevent the elastic locking body 40 from elastically deforming in the approach direction Li, so that unintended release of the locking can be prevented.

[0083] On the other hand, since the operation protrusion 431 of the elastic locking body 40 protrudes from the tip portion in the separation direction Lo of the side wall 51, the operation protrusion 431 can easily be caught by the finger of an operator, and an external force can be easily applied to the elastic locking body 40 provided with the operation protrusion 431 in the approach direction Li. This makes it easy to perform an operation to release the lock of the elastic locking body 40 with respect to the fixed locking body 25. Therefore, the elastic locking body 40 can be elastically deformed to release the lock between the elastic locking body 40 and the fixed locking body 25.

[0084] Furthermore, since the operating convex portion 431 protrudes from the tip portion of the side wall 51 in the separation direction Lo, even if the electrical connection box 1 is mounted in a location that cannot be seen by an operator, the operating convex portion 431 can be recognized by touch, and therefore, the operation to release the lock can be easily performed.

[0085] In addition, the upper end portion (upper end of the operating portion 43) of the elastic locking body 40 on which the operating protrusion 431 is provided, and the upper end of the side wall 51 are formed at a height that matches the upper surface portion 31, which is the upper end surface of the cover member 3, and are formed so that the operating protrusion 431 protrudes from the upper end of the side wall 51 in the release operation state in which the upper end portion of the elastic locking body 40 is operated in the approach direction Li.

[0086] As a result, in the locked state, the upper end portion where the operating convex portion 431 is provided and the upper end portion of the side wall 51 coincide with the upper end surface of the cover member 3, thereby preventing unintended external force from acting on the operating convex portion 431 in the approach direction Li.

[0087] On the other hand, as the operation convex portion 431 is elastically deformed in the approach direction Li to release the lock, the operation convex portion 431 gradually protrudes upward from the upper end of the side wall 51, so that a finger can be more reliably hooked on the operation convex portion 431 during the operation process. Therefore, the operation of releasing the lock can be performed more easily.

[0088] Furthermore, since the operation convex portion 431 is provided across the entire width of the elastic locking body 40, which is formed with a predetermined width, the width over which the operator can hook his / her finger is increased. Therefore, even if the operator hooks his / her finger at a position that is off the center in the width direction W, the operator can reliably hook the finger on the operation convex portion 431. Therefore, the operation convex portion 431 can be operated in the approach direction Li more easily and reliably, and the lock of the elastic locking body 40 with respect to the fixed locking body 25 can be released.

[0089] In addition, the corner of the side wall 51 between the tip end in the separating direction Lo and the upper end is formed as a curved corner 51a, so that the finger of the worker performing the unlocking operation can be prevented from getting caught on the side wall 51, and the unlocking operation can be performed reliably. Even if the worker gets his or her finger caught in a position that is off-center in the width direction W, the unlocking operation can be performed without any problems.

[0090] In addition, a restricting portion 60 is provided between the elastic locking body 40 and the side surface of the cover member 3, which restricts excessive deformation of the elastic locking body 40 in the release operation state. As a result, when the elastic locking body 40 is elastically deformed in the approach direction Li to a certain extent or more during the release operation, the elastic locking body 40 and the restricting portion 60 interfere with each other, so that the elastic locking body 40 can be prevented from being excessively deformed in the approach direction Li. Therefore, damage to the elastic locking body 40 due to excessive deformation can be prevented, and the durability of the elastic locking body 40 can be improved by restricting the excessive deformation.

[0091] Furthermore, since the upper end surface of the elastic locking body 40 is provided with a protrusion 44 that protrudes in the direction in which the elastic locking body 40 extends, when the elastic locking body 40 is elastically deformed in the approach direction Li to release the lock, the operator can hook not only the operation protrusion 431 but also the protrusion 44 with his / her finger. As a result, when releasing the lock, the protrusion 44 assists the release operation, making it easier to perform the release operation.

[0092] Furthermore, since the convex portions 44 are provided on both sides in the width direction W of the elastic locking body 40 formed with a predetermined width, even if the worker hooks his / her finger at a position off-center in the width direction W, the worker's finger can hook on the operation convex portion 431 and the convex portion 44. Therefore, even if the worker hooks his / her finger at a position off-center in the width direction W, the convex portions 44 can reliably assist the lock release operation, and the lock release operation can be reliably performed.

[0093] In addition, since the protrusions 44 are provided on both sides of the elastic locking body 40 in the width direction W, both end portions of the locking protrusions can be confirmed by touch. This allows the user to reliably perform the unlocking operation even when the elastic locking body 40 cannot be seen, for example.

[0094] Moreover, the length by which the convex portion 44 protrudes from the upper end surface of the elastic locking body 40 is shorter than the length by which the operation convex portion 431 protrudes from the tip portion of the outer wall 50 in the separation direction Lo. This allows the locking to be released reliably without the convex portion 44 interfering with the operation of the operation convex portion 431. Also, it is possible to prevent the locking between the fixed locking body 25 and the elastic locking body 40 from being released unintentionally due to an unintended external force acting on the convex portion 44.

[0095] In the configuration of the present invention and the correspondence with the above-mentioned embodiment, The aperture corresponds to aperture U, Similarly, The junction box body corresponds to the junction box body 2. The cover member corresponds to the cover member 3, The fixed part corresponds to the fixed part 4, The separation direction corresponds to the separation direction Lo, The approach direction corresponds to the approach direction Li, The fixed locking body corresponds to the fixed locking body 25, The elastic stopper corresponds to the elastic stopper 40, The operation convex portion corresponds to the operation convex portion 431, The outer wall corresponds to the side wall 51; The electrical junction box corresponds to electrical junction box 1, The bent corner corresponds to the bent corner 51a. The restricting rib corresponds to the restricting portion 60, The protrusion corresponds to the protrusion 44, The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0096] For example, the fixed locking body 25 is provided on the junction box main body 2, but may be provided on the cover member 3 as long as the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3 can be fixed together with the elastic locking body 40. In this case, the elastic locking body 40 is provided on the junction box main body 2, but the elastic locking body 40 has an operation protrusion 431 disposed on the upper side, and the operation portion 43 protrudes upward so that the upper end of the operation portion 43 is flush with the upper surface of the cover member 3.

[0097] Furthermore, the side walls 51, 51 are provided on the cover member 3, but may be provided on the junction box main body 2. In this case as well, the side walls 51, 51 protrude upward so that the upper end of the side wall 51 is flush with the upper surface portion 31. Furthermore, the side walls 51, 51 may be arranged such that the side wall 51 on one side in the width direction W is provided on one of the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3, and the side wall 51 on the other side is provided on the other of the junction box main body 2 and the cover member 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Electrical junction box 2 Junction box body 3 Cover material 4 Fixed part 25 Fixed locking body 40 Elastic stopper 431 Operation convex part 44 Convex 50 side wall 51a Curved corner 60 Regulatory Department Lo Separation direction Li Proximity direction U opening

Claims

1. The connection box includes a box-shaped main body having an opening, and a cover member for covering the opening of the main body of the connection box. a fixing portion for fixing the cover member attached to the connection box body from the opening side to the connection box body; A direction away from the side surface of the connection box body is defined as a separation direction, and a direction approaching the side surface of the connection box body is defined as a proximity direction, The fixing portion is A fixed engaging body disposed on the outer side in the separation direction; an elastic engaging body having a predetermined width that engages with the fixed engaging body; The elastic stopper extends to the vicinity of the upper surface of the cover member, An operating protrusion protruding in the separating direction is provided on an upper end of the elastic locking body, Outer walls are provided on both sides of the elastic engaging body in the width direction, a tip end of the operation protrusion in the separation direction protrudes beyond a tip end portion of the outer wall in the separation direction, The upper end portion of the elastic locking body, on which the operation protrusion is provided, is operated in the approaching direction to release the engagement of the elastic locking body with the fixed locking body, A restricting rib is provided between the elastic engaging body and the side surface of the cover member to restrict excessive deformation of the elastic engaging body in a release operation state. Electrical junction box.

2. A protrusion is provided on the upper end surface of the elastic stopper, the protrusion protruding in the direction in which the elastic stopper extends.

2. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.

3. The connection box includes a box-shaped main body having an opening, and a cover member for covering the opening of the main body of the connection box. a fixing portion for fixing the cover member attached to the connection box body from the opening side to the connection box body; A direction away from the side surface of the connection box body is defined as a separation direction, and a direction approaching the side surface of the connection box body is defined as a proximity direction, The fixing portion is A fixed engaging body disposed on the outer side in the separation direction; an elastic engaging body having a predetermined width that engages with the fixed engaging body; The elastic stopper extends to the vicinity of the upper surface of the cover member, An operating protrusion protruding in the separating direction is provided on an upper end of the elastic locking body, Outer walls are provided on both sides of the elastic engaging body in the width direction, a tip end of the operation protrusion in the separation direction protrudes beyond a tip end portion of the outer wall in the separation direction, The upper end portion of the elastic locking body, on which the operation protrusion is provided, is operated in the approaching direction to release the engagement of the elastic locking body with the fixed locking body, A protrusion is provided on the upper end surface of the elastic stopper, protruding in the direction in which the elastic stopper extends. Electrical junction box.

4. The protrusion is The elastic stopper is formed to have a predetermined width, and is provided on both sides in the width direction of the elastic stopper.

4. The electrical junction box according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The length by which the protruding portion protrudes from the upper end surface of the elastic locking body is shorter than the length by which the operating convex portion protrudes from the tip portion of the outer wall in the separation direction.

5. The electrical junction box according to claim 2, wherein the electrical junction box is a conductor.

6. an upper end of the elastic engaging body, on which the operation protrusion is provided, and an upper end of the outer wall are formed at a height that coincides with an upper end surface of the cover member; In a release operation state in which the upper end of the elastic engaging body is operated in the approaching direction, the operating protrusion is formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the outer wall.

6. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.

7. The operating protrusion is provided across the entire width of the elastic engaging body, which is formed with a predetermined width.

7. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.

8. In the outer wall, a corner between the tip portion in the separating direction and the upper end portion is a curved corner.

8. The electrical junction box according to claim 1.

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